Musical units of measurement Intervals Musical units of measurement

Activity: On a separate sheet of paper, write down as many units of measurement as you can think of in 60 seconds.

What is an Interval? An Interval is the measurement of the distance between any two notes. Each interval will have a number - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. These numbers are the distance between two pitches. You can find the numerical value of an interval by counting the lines and spaces on the staff.

Interval types: Unison – 1 Second - 2nd Third - 3rd Fourth - 4th Fifth - 5th Sixth - 6th Seventh - 7th Octave - 8ve

Interval Quality Intervals: the sequel

Interval Quality Intervals also have another identifier in addition to number. This second identifier is called the interval quality. Intervals can be called Major (M) minor (m) Perfect (P) Augmented (+) diminished (o)

Interval Quality – Unisons, Fourths, Fifths and the Octave Unisons, Fourths, and Fifths all have a special relationship with the Octave Interval Because of this, they are labeled as Perfect Consonances, and cannot be Major or minor in quality. A Consonant Interval is one that sounds pleasant to the ear. Dissonant Intervals are the opposite of consonant ones.

Interval Quality – 3rds and 6ths Thirds and Sixths can be Major or minor in quality. Because of this, they are labeled as Imperfect Consonances. An Imperfect Consonance is a consonant interval that can be Major or minor in quality.

Interval Quality – Seconds, Sevenths Seconds and Sevenths can also be Major or Minor in quality These two intervals, along with the Tritone, are classified as Dissonant Intervals. Dissonant Intervals are those that cause tension and desire to be resolved to consonant intervals.

Interval Quality – The Tritone The tritone is a special interval. It is dissonant in a special way because it bordered by a half step on either side by two Perfect intervals – the P4 and P5. The tritone was coined as the “Devil’s Interval” in early sacred music, and remained unusable until the Romantic Era (circa 1780-1910).

Half Step relations in Interval Qualities Every interval is comprised of a certain number of half-steps. With the aid of a keyboard it is easy to visualize and count the number of half-steps that make up intervals. F to A is a third. By counting the number of half steps (4), we know that F to A in this case is a Majpr Third (M3).

Intervals listed by their half step relationships: P1 (Perfect Unison) = 0 half steps m2 (minor Second) = 1 half step M2 (Major Second) = 2 half steps m3 (minor Third) = 3 half steps M3 (Major Third) = 4 half steps P4 (Perfect Fourth) = 5 half steps A4, d5 (tritone) = 6 half steps P5 (Perfect Fifth) = 7 half steps m6 (minor Sixth) = 8 half steps M6 (Major Sixth) = 9 half steps m7 (minor Seventh) = 10 half steps M7 (Major Seventh) = 11 half steps P8 (Perfect Octave) = 12 half steps