As a musician or music enthusiast, you might have heard the terms “interval” or “intervals” mentioned in various contexts. Musical intervals are essential to understanding the building blocks of music and its theory. They form the foundation of melody and harmony, and without them, we wouldn’t have music as we know it today.
In this post, we will explore what musical intervals are, their significance in music and music theory, and provide examples of melodic and harmonic intervals.
What are Musical Intervals?
Musical intervals refer to the distance between two notes, measured in semitones or half-steps. A semitone or half-step is the smallest distance between two notes in Western music. On a piano, it is the distance between two adjacent keys, whether white or black.
Intervals can be either melodic or harmonic. Melodic intervals refer to the distance between two notes played in succession, while harmonic intervals refer to the distance between two notes played simultaneously or stacked on top of each other.
The Significance of Musical Intervals in Music Theory
Musical intervals are significant in music theory because they provide a way to describe and understand the relationships between different notes in a melody or harmony. They also determine the character and mood of a melody or harmony, and their use can create tension or resolution within a piece of music.
For example, a minor second interval (one semitone) can create a dissonant or tense sound, while a major third interval (four semitones) can create a more pleasant or consonant sound. Understanding these intervals and their relationships is crucial for creating harmonious and engaging music.
Examples of Melodic Intervals
Melodic intervals are the distance between two notes played in succession. They are often described using terms like “minor” or “major,” which refer to the number of semitones between the two notes.
Here are some examples of melodic intervals:
Minor second: The distance between C and C#.
Major second: The distance between C and D.
Minor third: The distance between C and Eb.
Major third: The distance between C and E.
Perfect fourth: The distance between C and F.
Tritone: The distance between C and F#.
Perfect fifth: The distance between C and G.
Minor sixth: The distance between C and Ab.
Major sixth: The distance between C and A.
Minor seventh: The distance between C and Bb.
Major seventh: The distance between C and B.
Examples of Harmonic Intervals
Harmonic intervals are the distance between two notes played simultaneously or stacked on top of each other. They are often described using terms like “diminished,” “augmented,” or “perfect,” which refer to the number of semitones between the two notes.
Here are some examples of harmonic intervals:
Diminished fifth: The distance between C and Gb.
Perfect fifth: The distance between C and G.
Augmented fifth: The distance between C and G#.
Diminished seventh: The distance between C and Bbb.
Minor seventh: The distance between C and Bb.
Major seventh: The distance between C and B.
Perfect octave: The distance between C and C an octave higher.
Conclusion
In conclusion, musical intervals are the building blocks of melody and harmony in music. They provide a way to describe and understand the relationships between different notes, and their use can create tension or resolution within a piece of music. As a musician or music enthusiast, understanding musical intervals and their significance in music theory can help you create more harmonious and engaging music.