intervals

Intervals: Introduction

* It is advisable to read the following modules before attempting questions on intervals:

1. Notes & note values

2. Treble & Bass clefs

3. Key signatures

In music theory the term interval describes the relationship between the pitches of two notes. Intervals may be described as:

  • Harmonic – if the two notes sound simultaneously.
  • Melodic – if the notes sound successively.

We always count intervals from the lower note to the higher note.

The interval of two notes can be found by counting the degrees of the scale they contain. For example C to G would be an interval of a 5th (remember to include the first and last notes when counting).

Grade one intervals

Question 1

Above each note write another note to form the named harmonic interval, the key is F major.

Answer 1

Remember that the question states ‘harmonic interval’ therefore the top note must be written directly above the lower note.  Make sure you count the lower note as ‘1’ when counting the numbered interval.

Question 2

Give the number (e.g. 2nd, 3rd, 4th) of each of these melodic intervals. The key is C major.

 

Answer 2

Make sure you count the lower note as ’1′ when counting the numbered interval.

Question 3

After each note write a higher note to form the named melodic interval. The key is D major.

Answer 3

Remember that the question states ‘melodic interval’ therefore the top note must be written to the side of the lower note.  Make sure you count the lower note as ’1′ when counting the numbered interval.