Intervals

Methods of Calculating Intervals

1.) White key method - A method where the white keys of

the piano are used a reference notes to calculate other
intervals.

2.) Scale method - A method where the bottom note of an

interval is thought of as the first note of a major scale. This
method uses the notes of the major scale as reference notes
to calculate other intervals.

3.) Half step method - A method where half steps are

counted to figure out an interval.
 Major, minor, augmented, and
diminished

1.) Unisons, 4ths, 5ths, and 8ves are PERFECT

2.) 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths can be both MAJOR or MINOR.

For example, there are NO major 4ths, major 5ths, or major 8ves.

3.) Any interval can be augmented or diminished.

 Major, minor, augmented, and
diminished

1.) Both major and minor intervals can be augmented and

diminished.
2.) Perfect intervals can be augmented and diminished
BUT CANNOT BE MAJOR OR MINOR.

FYI!
Half steps
between
E and F
and B and C
 Major, minor, augmented, and
diminished

augmented augmented major

up a
half
step

perfect major minor

down a
half
step

diminished minor diminished

 White Key Method

This method involved memorizing all the

white keys of the piano or thinking of
intervals in the key of C major.

Then using these intervals as reference notes

to find what other intervals are.
Seconds
Thirds
Fourths
Fifths
Sixths
Sevenths
Octaves
 White Key Method

What interval is this? diminished 7th

Not sure, but this interval is a minor 7th

 Scale Method
E Major

M2nd W W H W W W H
M3rd
P4th
P5th
M6th
M7th
P8ve
Scale Method
 Scale Method

What interval is this? Augmented 4th

A is the lowest note, so in A Major, what is the interval of A to D?

Answer: Perfect 4th

 Half Step Method
Unison 0 Pitch Clock
Minor 2nd 1
Major 2nd 2
Minor 3rd 3
Perfect 4th 5
Tri-tone 6
Perfect 5th 7
Minor 6th 8
Major 6th 9
Minor 7th 10
Major 7th 11
Octave 12
 Half Step Method

What interval is this?

9 half steps = and major 6th