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Diminished intervals

Definition

Diminished intervals are intervals that are one half step smaller than a perfect or major interval. They have a slightly "shrunk" sound compared to their perfect or major counterparts.

Analogy

Think of a pizza that has been cut into smaller slices. The diminished intervals are like those smaller slices, where each slice is just a little bit smaller than the regular-sized slices.

Related terms

Augmented intervals: Augmented intervals are one half step larger than a perfect or major interval. They have an expanded and "stretched" sound compared to their perfect or major counterparts.

Perfect intervals: Perfect intervals are consonant and stable sounding intervals that do not need any alteration. They have a balanced and harmonious quality.

Major intervals: Major intervals are larger than minor intervals by one half step. They have a brighter and more open sound compared to minor intervals.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.