Intervals make up a melody; an interval is the distance from one note to another.

Distance and Quality

Intervals describe how far away one note is from another and what a chord sounds like. A major interval is always one step larger than a minor interval.

1. An interval’s distance is described with a number that indicates the distance from one note to another. According to the diatonic scale, taking every scalic step into consideration. (E.g. D up to E is a 2nd.)
2. An interval’s quality specifically classifies each interval. (Although an interval may have more than one name.)

E.g. C to E flat (going up) is a Minor 3rd because a 3rd is the distance from C to E flat from the bottom up, and Minor is the quality of the interval. C to E (going up) is a Major 3rd because a 3rd is the distance.

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Grace Miles | December 20, 2011
Filed Under: Resources, Theory | Tags: ear training, intervals | 3 Comments

Ear training improves the way your ears perceive sound, and involves identifying tones when you hear them.

People who have good ears can reproduce any melody with both hands once they’ve heard it once or twice– and they usually have perfect pitch.

These excercises are designed to train your ears effectively.

Once you’ve mastered one step, move on to the next as you improve progressively.

• Have someone test you
• Or you can do these exercises alone by recording your own playing, and listening to it afterwards, to quiz yourself.

Remember to write the answers down as you make up the questions!

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Grace Miles | December 20, 2011
Filed Under: Resources | Tags: ear training | No Comments