Intervals: the Building Blocks of Music

Intervals: the
Building Blocks of
Music

An interval is the difference between
two pitches in music. Learning to
recognize intervals when you hear
them will help you hear more complex
harmonies.
The minor second is the smallest
interval recognized in Western music
and is sometimes called a “half step.”
This interval can be recognized as the
JAWS theme. You’re gonna need a
bigger boat…

The major second is sometimes called
a “whole step.” It is always the
second interval in a major scale.
This interval can be recognized as the
“Re” in “Do Re Mi.” The hills are alive!

The minor third is the most important
part of a minor chord! Without it, the
chord won’t sound minor.
This interval can be recognized as the
Brahms lullaby. Lullaby and
goodnight…

Much like the minor third, the major
third is the most important part of a
major chord. Without it, the chord
won’t sound minor.
This interval can be recognized as the
first “O when” in “O When the Saints
Go Marching In.”

P4
P5
Perfect intervals are “perfect” because
they occur in both major and minor
scales.
Perfect fourths
can be recognized
as the “here
comes” in “Here
Comes the Bride.”
Perfect fifths can
be recognized as
the “twinkle,
twinkle” in
“Twinkle, twinkle,
little star.”

The minor sixth is the sixth note of a
harmonic minor scale. Minor sixths are
rarely used in popular music melodies,
so recognizing them can be tricky!
This interval can be recognized as the
word “fire” from the line “so let’s set
the world on fire” in the pop song “We
Are Young” by FUN.

The major sixth is the sixth scale
degree of a major scale.
This interval can be recognized as
“there is” in the WVSU Alma Mater.
Alternatively, it can be recognized as
“my bon…” in “My Bonnie Lies Over
the Ocean.”

The minor seventh is the seventh note
in a harmonic minor scale. when
placed over a major chord,
(1+M3+P5+m7) m7 becomes
“dominant” and creates a feeling of
tension in music.
This interval can be recognized as
“there’s a” from the phrase “there’s a
place for us” in the West Side Story
song “Somewhere.”

The major seventh is the farthest apart
of any interval. After the major
seventh, notes begin repeating at the
octave.
This interval can be recognized as “I’m
cross…” from the phrase “I’m crossing
you in style” in the song “Moon River,”
performed by greats like Andy
Williams, Frank Sinatra, and later by
Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at
Tiffany’s.”