Introduction to Music Intervals

A free lesson on music theory written by Warwick Levey, of the Gryphon Music Academy. To find this lesson, and many more, check out the Gryphon Music Academy website {here}

A few weeks ago I prepared a lesson on the introduction to music theory, which can be found [here]. In order for you to understand intervals, you will need a basic grasp of music theory. If you know nothing about music theory, read the Introduction to Music Theory lesson first.

An interval is the term we use for the difference between two pitches (notes) in music. In Western music the smallest note is the semitone. For the purpose of this tutorial, we will only talk about 2 intervals. The semitone and the tone.

The semitone is when we move only one note on the chromatic scale. In diagram1 we have moved a semitone from D to D#.

diagram 1 illustrating a semitone from D to D#
diagram1
This is only one step on the circle, so it counts as a semitone.

The tone is a larger interval. The tone is equal to 2 semitones. In diagram2 you will see that we have moved a tone from C to D.

diagram 2 illustrating a tone from C to D
diagram2
As you see we’ve moved two spaces on the circle, so it’s a tone.

 

In diagram 3 you will see that we moved from E to F. Do you think that would be a tone or a semitone? Since we moved only one space, this counts as semitone.

diagram3 illustrating a semitone from E to F
diagram3
We’ve only moved one space, so it’s a semitone

 

Read over this a few times to ensure that you understand it. Once you’re comfortable with intervals, why not check out the lesson on How to construct a major scale.

If you would like to keep receiving free lessons and music tips, be sure to join our {mailing list}