Glossary
Augmented (Interval)
An interval that is a half step larger than its corresponding major or perfect interval.
Example:
If you raise the top note of a perfect fourth (C to F) by a half step (C to F#), it becomes an augmented fourth.
Consonant Intervals
Intervals that sound stable, resolved, and pleasing to the ear.
Example:
Perfect fifths and major thirds are considered consonant intervals and often form the basis of stable chords.
Diminished (Interval)
An interval that is a half step smaller than its corresponding minor or perfect interval.
Example:
Lowering the top note of a minor third (C to Eb) by a half step (C to Ebb) creates a diminished third.
Dissonant Intervals
Intervals that sound unstable, unresolved, and create tension, often requiring resolution.
Example:
A minor second or a tritone are examples of dissonant intervals that create a sense of unease in music.
Harmonic (Interval)
An interval formed by two notes played simultaneously.
Example:
When a pianist plays a C major chord, the C and E notes create a harmonic major third.
Interval
The distance in pitch between two notes. Intervals are fundamental building blocks of melodies, chords, and harmonies.
Example:
The opening two notes of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' form a perfect fifth interval.
Interval Inversion
The process of flipping an interval by moving the lower note an octave higher or the upper note an octave lower.
Example:
A major third (C to E) inverts to a minor sixth (E to C), demonstrating interval inversion.
Major (Interval)
An interval found in a major scale, typically larger than its minor counterpart by a half step.
Example:
The interval from the tonic to the third scale degree in a major scale is always a major third.
Melodic (Interval)
An interval formed by two notes played one after the other.
Example:
The first two notes of 'Happy Birthday' (sol-do) create a melodic perfect fourth.
Minor (Interval)
An interval that is one half step smaller than its corresponding major interval.
Example:
Changing a major third (C to E) to a minor third involves lowering the top note by a half step (C to Eb).
Octave
An interval spanning eight scale degrees, where the higher note has twice the frequency of the lower note.
Example:
A bass singer and a soprano singing the same note name (e.g., C) but at different registers are singing an octave apart.
Perfect (Interval)
A stable interval type that includes unisons, fourths, fifths, and octaves.
Example:
The interval between the root and the fifth of a major or minor triad is always a perfect fifth.
Quality (of Interval)
The specific type of an interval, indicating its exact sound and number of half steps.
Example:
A C to E interval has a quality of major, while C to Eb has a minor quality.
Size (of Interval)
The numerical distance between notes, determined by counting lines and spaces, including the starting and ending notes.
Example:
From C to G, counting C, D, E, F, G gives a size of a fifth.
Tritone
A highly dissonant interval spanning three whole steps, equivalent to an augmented fourth or a diminished fifth.
Example:
The interval from F to B is a tritone, often used in dramatic or unsettling music.
Unison
An interval where two notes are at the exact same pitch.
Example:
When two singers sing the same melody note at the same time, they are singing in unison.