01
Front
What is an interval?
Back
An interval is the distance between two pitches. It may be heard melodically when notes sound successively or harmonically when they sound simultaneously.
Free Online Flashcard Deck
3/9 3. Intervals Free Online FlashCards
Study 3/9 3. Intervals with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
12 cards
02
Front
How do you determine an interval number?
Back
Count letter names inclusively from the lower note to the upper note. Accidentals do not change the interval number.
03
Front
How do you determine interval quality?
Back
Count semitones and compare the result with the standard interval for that number. The number comes from letter names first; semitones determine the quality.
04
Front
Which interval numbers belong to the perfect family?
Back
Unisons, fourths, fifths, and octaves belong to the perfect family. Seconds, thirds, sixths, and sevenths belong to the major/minor family.
05
Front
How do C–C♯ and C–D♭ differ?
Back
C–C♯ is a chromatic half step, spelled as an augmented unison (A1). C–D♭ is a diatonic half step, spelled as a minor second (m2).
06
Front
What interval is F–B?
Back
F–B is an augmented fourth (A4): it spans four letter names and six semitones, one semitone larger than a perfect fourth.
07
Front
What interval is F–G♭?
Back
F–G♭ is a diminished fifth (d5): it spans five letter names and six semitones, one semitone smaller than a perfect fifth.
08
Front
What distinguishes simple and compound intervals?
Back
A simple interval is no larger than an octave. A compound interval is larger than an octave and usually preserves the quality of its simple equivalent.
09
Front
How do you form a compound interval number?
Back
Add 7 to the corresponding simple interval number: a 2nd becomes a 9th, a 3rd a 10th, and a 4th an 11th.
10
Front
What is the inversion-number rule?
Back
When an interval is inverted, its original and inverted numbers add to 9. For example, a 3rd inverts to a 6th, and a 4th to a 5th.
11
Front
How do interval qualities change under inversion?
Back
Perfect remains perfect; major becomes minor; minor becomes major; augmented becomes diminished; diminished becomes augmented.
12
Front
What is the inversion of a major third?
Back
A major third inverts to a minor sixth. For example, C–E becomes E–C after moving one note by an octave.