EpISODE 09 INTERVALS, IN THEORY

HOSTS- Jeremy Burns, Matthew Scott Phillips

 

TYPE- Theory

 

DURATION- 34:34

 

BUMPER MUSIC- "The Sigh" (Matthew Scott Phillips)

 

ANNOUNCER- Mike Cunliffe

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DESCRIPTION

Understanding intervals is an essential part of understanding, analyzing and critically listening to music. In this episode, we will discuss the theory behind intervals. Listen and learn the types of intervals and their roles. Find out some tips how to identify them by number and by quality (major, minor, augmented or diminished). We will distinguish the difference between simple and compound intervals. This episode, like many theory episodes, will have an ear training counter part in the near future!

KEY WORDS

INTERVAL- The distance between two notes, harmonically or melodically. An interval consists of two components: 1) NUMBER and 2) QUALITY.

 

UNISON- When two instruments play the same pitch, often at the same time. For example, if a pianist and a violinist are both playing A440, then they are said to be playing in UNISON.

 

PERFECT INTERVAL (P)- Typically, the distance (from the root note) to the notes that land on the 4th, 5th and 8th (unison) scale degrees. These note are the same in both major and minor keys.

 

MAJOR INTERVAL (M)- Typically, the distance (from the root note) to the notes that land on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th scale degrees in the MAJOR scale.

 

MINOR INTERVAL (m)-Typically, the distance (from the root note) to the notes that land on the 3rd, 6th and 7th scale degrees in the MINOR scale. The MINOR 2nd (m2) is the smallest of intervals and occupies the space of a 1/2 step.

 

AUGMENTED INTERVAL (+)- When a PERFECT or MAJOR interval is raised by a half step.

 

DIMINISHED INTERVAL (º)- When a PERFECT or MINOR interval is lowered by a half step.

 

SIMPLE INTERVAL- An interval that spans the space of 1 octave.

 

COMPOUND INTERVALS- An interval that spans the space beyond 1 octave.

EXAMPLES

We can find the NUMBER of an interval by counting the scale steps from the starting note to the one in question.

The NUMERIC DISTANCE from D to G is 4.  In the highlighted area below, we see eighth notes moving up the D major scale. There are 4 scale degrees

(or scale steps) between the notes: D and G. This means that the interval between these two notes is that of a 4th.

We can find the QUALITY of an interval by determining the scale it belongs to. If the highest note, of that interval, is a note that is in the major scale of the lowest note, then that interval is ether MAJOR or PERFECT.

Below, in the first measure, we see the notes E (on the bottom) and C# (on the top). We see, based on the key signature, that we are in E major. As depicted in the following measure, there are 6 scale  degrees between these two notes. We now know that the NUMBER of this interval is that of a SIXTH. Because the note, C#, is in the E major scale, we know that the interval is MAJOR, in quality.  This interval is a MAJOR SIXTH (M6).

Below we see that the intervals of 1 (unison), 4, 5 and 8 are considered to be PERFECT, in both the major and minor keys.

If the top note is not in the MAJOR scale of the bottom note, me must determine if it's flat or sharp.

Below, we see E (bottom) and G (top).

We can tell, by the provided key signature, that we are in E major.

The second note shown (G natural) is a 1/2 step below G# (scale degree 3 in the key of E major). Because this scale degree has been flatted,we now know that this interval is that of a MINOR THIRD (m3).

If an interval is a 1/2 step below a MINOR INTERVAL,

it is said to be a

DIMINISHED INTERVAL.

 In the example below, we have our interval: B on the bottom and Db on top. In the first measure, the key signature tells us that we are in the key of B major. The following measure shows the notes of the B major scale (B C# D#...), as they walk up to that 3rd scale degree, landing on D#. That D# would be a MAJOR THIRD (M3). Lower it a half step and it becomes Dn, which would be a MINOR THIRD. If you lower this note another half step, it becomes a Db, which would be a DIMINISHED 3rd (°3).

If an interval is a 1/2 step above a MAJOR INTERVAL,

it is said to be an

AUGMENTED INTERVAL.

 In the example below, we have our interval, F on the bottom and D# on top) In the first measure, the key signature tells us that we are in the key of F major. The following measure shows the notes of the F major scale (F G A B C D...) as they walk up to that 6th scale degree, landing on D. That D would be a MAJOR SIXTH (M6) above the F. Raise it a half step and it becomes D#, which would be an AUGMENTED SIXTH (+6).

SIMPLE INTERVALS

Simple intervals span the space of one octave. Below we see all the

SIMPLE INTERVALS that occur from one E note to the next E note.

This distance spans 1 octave.

COMPOUND INTERVALS

Compound intervals span the space beyond one octave. Below we see all the COMPOUND INTERVALS that occur from the E note beyond that initial octave.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

-Intervals consist of two components: NUMBER AND QUALITY

 

-When calculating interval distances, start with NUMBER first. Then figure out the QUALITY.

 

-To simplify, one could determine the NUMERIC value of an interval by counting each notes letter name as a number, as you go up or down the scale, from that note to the one in question.

 

-The intervals of the 4th, 5th and 8th are all said to be PERFECT in their natural state.

 

-If the 4th or 5th scale degree is lowered or sharpened, then it is considered to be diminished or augmented, respectively.

 

-Doubly DIMINISHED and AUGMENTED intervals exist, though they occur in rare circumstances.

 

- An understanding of the OVERTONE SERIES can help us understand why some intervals are considered to be more CONSONANT (stable or pleasing) or more DISSONANT (jarring and tense).

 

MUSIC STUDENT 101

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