Fretboard Evolution Vol. I - Steve Rieck

Ex. 3 (E to C / C to E) Ex. 4 (G to C / C to G)
In example 1 notice that C to E (a 3 rd ) inverts to E to C (a 6 th ).
In example 2 notice that C to G (a 5 th ) inverts to G to C (a 4 th ).
In example 3 notice that E to C (a 6 th ) inverts to C to E (a 3 rd ).
In example 4 notice that G to C (a 4 th ) inverts to C to G (a 5 th )
Now you’re ready to see one huge fact about intervals…
THE SUM OF ANY OF THESE INTERVAL INVERSIONS WILL
ALWAYS EQUAL 9.
Memorize that!
A unison will always invert to an octave.
A 2 nd will always invert to a 7 th .
A 3 rd will always invert to a 6 th .
A 4 th will always invert to a 5 th .
A 5 th will always invert to a 4 th .
A 6 th will always invert to a 3 rd .
A 7 th will always invert to a 2 nd .
An octave will always invert to a unison.
Major & Minor Intervals
Now, that we know intervals are always counted by alphabetical letters and
that the sum of any interval inversion equals 9. Let’s move on to
understanding the more detailed differences.
These terms can seem daunting but the logic between these definitions is
pretty simple. The first thing to do when trying to define an interval as we
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