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).
Minor 2nd - One semitone
Major 2nd - Two semitones
Minor 3rd - Three semitones
Major 3rd - Four semitones
Perfect 4th - Five semitones
Augmented 4th or Diminished 5th - Six semitones
Perfect 5th - Seven semitones
Minor 6th - Eight semitones
Major 6th - Nine semitones
Minor 7th - Ten semitones
Major 7th - Eleven semitones
Perfect Octave - Twelve semitones
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. Examples of 3rd intervals written melodically in repetition on various pitches (a sequence) and harmonically (a melody harmonized in 3rds) are shown here.
