Intervals

In this article, you’ll learn what intervals are, the different types of intervals, how to recognize them, and how to use them to influence your playing. If you’re interested in learning more about intervals, check out my course Music Theory for Violinists. In this course, you’ll learn about intervals, scales, chords, and how to perform chordal analysis, which can greatly influence your phrasing. Use the code “YT” for 15% off the course.

What are intervals?

An interval is the distance between two notes. When counting intervals, you always count the note that you started on and the note that you ended on. For example, the interval of a third is three notes total (A-C), not three notes in between.

Why are intervals important?

Unless you have perfect pitch, recognizing intervals is going to be the main way that you tell if you’re in tune.

How many intervals are there?

There are 12 core intervals.

How many interval qualities are there?

There are 5 interval qualities: major, minor, augmented (which means bigger), diminished (which means smaller), and perfect. The sound waves of perfect intervals create whole number ratios (ie 3:2).

Intervals can also be classified as consonant or dissonant. Consonant intervals sound harmonious when played together; dissonant intervals don’t.

Half and whole steps

Half steps are notes that are right next to each other (as seen below), and whole steps have one note in between.

The twelve intervals

Minor 2nd: 1 half step, dissonant
Major 2nd: 2 half steps (or 1 whole step), dissonant
Minor 3rd: 3 half steps, consonant
Major 3rd: 4 half steps, consonant
Perfect 4th: 5 half steps, consonant
Tritone: 6 half steps, dissonant
Perfect 5th: 7 half steps, consonant
Minor 6th: 8 half steps, consonant
Major 6th: 9 half steps, consonant
Minor 7th: 10 half steps, dissonant
Major 7th: 11 half steps, dissonant
Perfect octave: 12 half steps, consonant

Watch the video below for a demonstration of each of these intervals plus a interval quiz at the end!