Understanding Intervals: Major, Minor, Perfect, Augmented, and Diminished
Key Concepts
Intervals are the building blocks of music, representing the distance between two notes. Understanding intervals is crucial for reading, writing, and composing music. The five main types of intervals are Major, Minor, Perfect, Augmented, and Diminished.
Major Intervals
Major intervals are the largest of the diatonic intervals. They are typically found in major scales. For example, the interval from C to E is a Major 3rd because it spans four semitones (C, C#, D, D#, E).
Minor Intervals
Minor intervals are one semitone smaller than Major intervals. They are typically found in minor scales. For example, the interval from C to Eb is a Minor 3rd because it spans three semitones (C, C#, D, Eb).
Perfect Intervals
Perfect intervals are unaltered intervals that sound consonant and stable. They include Unison (1st), Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, and Octave (8th). For example, the interval from C to G is a Perfect 5th because it spans seven semitones (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G).
Augmented Intervals
Augmented intervals are one semitone larger than Perfect or Major intervals. They sound tense and unstable. For example, the interval from C to G# is an Augmented 5th because it spans eight semitones (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#).
Diminished Intervals
Diminished intervals are one semitone smaller than Perfect or Minor intervals. They also sound tense and unstable. For example, the interval from C to Gb is a Diminished 5th because it spans six semitones (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, Gb).
Examples and Analogies
Think of intervals as steps on a ladder. Major and Minor intervals are like regular steps, while Perfect intervals are like the rungs that hold the ladder together. Augmented and Diminished intervals are like steps that are either too high (Augmented) or too low (Diminished), making the climb more challenging.
Another analogy is to think of intervals as different types of bridges. Major and Minor intervals are like sturdy bridges that connect major and minor lands. Perfect intervals are like perfectly balanced bridges that connect stable points. Augmented and Diminished intervals are like bridges that are either too long (Augmented) or too short (Diminished), making the crossing more difficult.
Practical Application
To practice recognizing and writing intervals, start by identifying intervals in familiar songs. For example, the interval from C to E in "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" is a Major 3rd. Then, try writing your own melodies using different intervals to hear how they sound. This exercise will help you internalize the characteristics of each interval and improve your musical ear.