Intervals

Intervals are the building blocks of music, defining the distance between pitches. Understanding these relationships helps create melodies and harmonies, shaping the emotional landscape of a piece. Each interval has its unique sound and role in music theory.

1. Perfect Unison

   • The interval between two identical pitches.
   • Sounds harmonious and stable; no distance between notes.
   • Often used to reinforce a melody or create a strong foundation in harmony.

2. Minor Second

   • The interval between two adjacent notes (e.g., C to C#).
   • Creates a dissonant sound, often associated with tension.
   • Commonly used in music to evoke feelings of unease or suspense.

3. Major Second

   • The interval spanning two whole steps (e.g., C to D).
   • Sounds consonant and is often used in melodies.
   • Fundamental in establishing scales and tonal relationships.

4. Minor Third

   • The interval spanning one and a half steps (e.g., C to Eb).
   • Produces a melancholic or sad sound.
   • Essential in forming minor chords, which are prevalent in various music genres.

5. Major Third

   • The interval spanning two whole steps (e.g., C to E).
   • Creates a bright and happy sound.
   • Forms the basis of major chords, crucial for establishing a major tonality.

6. Perfect Fourth

   • The interval spanning five half steps (e.g., C to F).
   • Generally considered consonant, but can also create tension when used in certain contexts.
   • Important in both melody and harmony, often used in chord progressions.

7. Tritone (Augmented Fourth/Diminished Fifth)

   • The interval spanning six half steps (e.g., C to F#).
   • Known for its dissonant quality, often described as unstable.
   • Historically referred to as "diabolus in musica" due to its tension; used to create drama in music.

8. Perfect Fifth

   • The interval spanning seven half steps (e.g., C to G).
   • One of the most consonant intervals, foundational in Western music harmony.
   • Forms the basis of perfect chords and is essential in establishing tonal centers.

9. Minor Sixth

   • The interval spanning eight half steps (e.g., C to Ab).
   • Produces a somewhat dissonant sound, often used in jazz and contemporary music.
   • Can create a sense of longing or tension in melodies.

10. Major Sixth

    • The interval spanning nine half steps (e.g., C to A).
    • Sounds consonant and uplifting, often used in melodies and harmonies.
    • Important in creating major chords and adding richness to musical textures.

11. Minor Seventh

    • The interval spanning ten half steps (e.g., C to Bb).
    • Creates a tense, unresolved sound, often used in jazz and blues.
    • Forms the basis of dominant seventh chords, crucial for harmonic progression.

12. Major Seventh

    • The interval spanning eleven half steps (e.g., C to B).
    • Produces a dreamy, lush sound, often used in jazz and contemporary music.
    • Important in creating major seventh chords, adding complexity to harmony.

13. Perfect Octave

    • The interval spanning twelve half steps (e.g., C to the next C).
    • Sounds very consonant and stable, often perceived as the same note at a different pitch.
    • Fundamental in establishing the tonal framework of music, reinforcing melodies and harmonies.