Interval Distances
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 earlier, intervals may be either melodic or harmonic. Here are some examples making use of various intervals. Each interval has its own characteristics, so experiment with them all. The following example features the use of major and minor 2nd intervals.
This example demonstrates the use of major and minor 3rds.
Here’s one which uses Perfect 4ths.
The tritone (augmented 4th or diminished 5th) is a useful interval for implying dominant 7th chords, as it can be used as the 3rd and 7th degrees of the chord.
The use of perfect 5ths is common in Rock. Many times only the root and 5th of a chord are used, which leaves room for either a major or minor 3rd degree to be played over it. The partial chord made up of the root and fifth is described as either a 5 chord (e.g. C5, G5, Bb5 etc), or a power chord. Power chords are very common in Rock guitar playing and are also effective on keyboards.
Here is an example which demonstrates the use of major and minor 6ths. Once you have learnt any of these examples, experiment with the intervals to create some of your own parts.
