Interval Distances

Lesson 4/76 | Study Time: 5 Min

Course: Beginner Music Theory

Interval Distances

In summary, here is a list of the distances of all common intervals up to an octave measured in semitones. Each new interval is one semitone wider apart than the previous one.

Notice that the interval of an octave is exactly twelve semitones. This is because there are twelve different notes in the chromatic scale. Notice also that the interval which has a distance of six semitones can be called either an augmented 4th or a diminished 5th. This interval is also often called a tritone (6 semitones = 3 tones).

The following example demonstrates all of the common intervals ascending within one octave starting and ending on the note C.

As mentioned at the start of this lesson, intervals can be melodic or harmonic. Shown below are examples of 3rd intervals written melodically in repetition on various pitches (a sequence) and harmonically (a melody harmonised in 3rds)

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Class Sessions

1- Dotted Notes 2- Tones and Semitones 3- The Major Scale 4- Dynamics 5- Keys and Key Signatures 6- Transposing 7- Sixteenth Notes 8- Leger Lines 9- Simple and Compound Time 10- Intervals 11- Chords 12- INTRODUCTION 13- Note Values 14- GLOSSARY OF MUSICAL TERMS 15- Chord Inversions 16- How to Read Music 17- LESSON TWO 18- Minor Keys and Scales 19- Accidentals 20- Sharps 21- The Octave 22- Learning Minor Scales in all Keys 23- The Key Cycle 24- Chord Construction–Triads 25- G Major Chord Inversions 26- Exercises 27- Six Eight Time 28- Using the Compact Disc 29- Interval Qualities 30- Notes on the Treble Staff 31- Exercises 32- Grouping Eighth Notes 33- Volume Changes 34- Exercises 35- Bar Lines 36- Double Sharps and Double Flats 37- The Lead-in 38- Enharmonic Notes 39- Grouping Notes in Compound Time 40- Interval Distances 41- Time Signatures 42- Grouping Notes and Rests 43- The Grand Staff 44- Exercises 45- Exercises 46- Relative Keys 47- Approach to Practice 48- Major Scales in all Keys 49- Tempo Markings 50- The Chromatic Scale 51- Scale Degrees 52- Tempo Changes 53- Slurs 54- Final Exercises 55- Flats 56- Arpeggios 57- Chord Symbols 58- C Major Scale Over Four Octaves 59- Exercises 60- Rests 61- Exercises 62- Exercises 63- Staccato 64- Exercises 65- Exercises 66- Twelve Eight Time 67- Major Scale Pattern 68- Identifying Intervals by Ear 69- Exercises 70- Exercises 71- The G Major Scale 72- Ties 73- Exercises 74- The F Major Scale 75- Other Major Scales 76- Exercises

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Interval Distances