Diminished 5th Interval
Definition
A diminished 5th interval is an interval that spans five half steps and creates a dissonant, tense sound. It is also known as a tritone.
Analogy
Think of a diminished 5th interval like the sound of a car horn blaring loudly in traffic. It grabs your attention and creates tension in the air.
Related terms
Tritone: A tritone is another name for a diminished 5th interval, spanning three whole steps or six half steps.
Perfect 4th: A perfect 4th is an interval that spans four half steps and has a consonant, stable sound.
Augmented 4th: An augmented 4th is an interval that spans five half steps and has a dissonant, tense sound similar to the diminished 5th.
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