Lesson 8: Intervals

Intervals The distance between any two notes is called an interval. To identify the size of an interval, count ALL the lines and spaces, including the lines or spaces of the given notes.

Name each of the following intervals:

Intervals in a Major Scale Perfect and Major Intervals are distances between two notes, based on a Major scale: Perfect Intervals are : 1 ,4 ,5, and 8. Major Intervals are: 2, 3, 6, and 7.

3 Steps for Writing Major Intervals: 1. Assume the given note is the TONIC of the Major Scale. 2. Find the accidentals belonging to that scale. 3. Write the second note above the given note, using an accidental, if necessary.

Example: If D is the given note, find the accidentals in D Major. They are F# and C#. The perfect and major intervals in the D Major scale therefore are:

What do major intervals sound like? When you become familiar with what certain intervals sound like and are able to recognize them on sheet music, then sight reading music becomes much easier. Vocal exercise: Major Scales duvet.

Minor Intervals A minor interval is a semitone smaller than a major interval. Only the intervals, 2, 3, 6, and 7, can become minor intervals. The perfect intervals- 1, 4, 5, and 8 do not change into minor intervals.

3 steps for writing minor intervals: 1. Think of the major scale above then tonic note. Think of how the major intervals are written. Do not forget the accidentals. To write a minor interval, lower the upper note a chromatic semitone.

Example Write out a D Major scale with Accidentals. D Major scale with intervals. Lower 2,3,6,7 intervals by a chromatic semitone:

Tips! When trying to identify any interval- always think about the major scale of the bottom note!

What do minor intervals sound like? Minor 2nd Minor 3rd Minor 6th Minor 7th

Harmonic and Melodic Intervals When two notes are played at the same time, the interval is called a harmonic interval. When one note follows another, as in a melody, the distance between the two notes is called a melodic interval.

INTERVAL PRACTICE Day 1: Intervals Package Day 2: Listening Practice: Intervals- Major