Learning Objectives
- Define the distance between two pitches as an interval.
- Differentiate between harmonic and melodic intervals.
Intervals I: Introduction
Definition
In this section of the class we will learn about musical intervals. An interval is the distance between two pitches. If these two pitches are played simultaneously, the result is a harmonic interval. (Listen to the harmonic interval formed between C and G in the example below.) If the two pitches are played consecutively (one after the other), the result is a melodic interval, which can occur in an ascending or a descending direction. (Listen to the ascending melodic interval from C to G and the descending melodic interval from G to C in the example below.) In either case, it is the distance between the two pitches that an interval measures.
Harmonic Interval
(simultaneous pitches)
Harmonic Interval (simultaneous pitches)
Melodic interval
(consecutive pitches)Ascending
Melodic Interval (consecutive pitches) Ascending
Melodic interval
(consecutive pitches)Descending
Melodic Interval (consecutive pitches) Descending
Of course, there is much more to it than that. Musicians have developed a system of classification for intervals that describes both interval size and interval quality. It takes time and a good deal of practice to learn the system, but it is important to master since a thorough knowledge of intervals is fundamental to an understanding of harmony. In the lessons that follow, we will discuss interval size, interval quality, how to identify intervals, and how to write intervals. You will also have the opportunity to practice identifying different intervals by ear.