Understanding and Identifying Harmonic Intervals

Harmony is basically when two or more notes are played at the same time. It's the combination of different pitches that creates a richer, more complex sound than just a single melody line. Think of it like this: the melody is the story, and the harmony is the colorful backdrop that brings the story to life! Without harmony, music would be pretty bland, wouldn’t it?

An interval is the distance between two notes. So, a harmonic interval is the distance between two notes that are played simultaneously. In other words, it’s the building block of harmony. Unlike melodic intervals, where you hear one note after the other (like in a melody), harmonic intervals are all about how those notes sound together. It’s about the relationship between the pitches, and that relationship is what creates the overall feel.

Consonant intervals are those that sound stable and agreeable to the ear. They create a sense of rest and completeness. Think of them as the musical equivalent of a comfy chair.

Dissonant intervals are those that sound unstable and create tension. They often require a resolution to a consonant interval to sound complete. Think of them as the musical equivalent of a question that needs an answer. They add excitement, drama, and a sense of forward motion to music.

First, you need to be able to identify the individual notes that make up the interval. This requires some basic knowledge of music theory, including how to read music and the names of the notes on the staff. If you're not familiar with these concepts, there are tons of resources online to help you learn!

The interval size refers to the numerical distance between the two notes. To calculate it, count the number of letter names between the two notes, including the starting and ending notes. For example:

• C to D is a second (C-D = 2)
• C to E is a third (C-D-E = 3)
• C to F is a fourth (C-D-E-F = 4)
• C to G is a fifth (C-D-E-F-G = 5)
• C to A is a sixth (C-D-E-F-G-A = 6)
• C to B is a seventh (C-D-E-F-G-A-B = 7)
• C to C is an octave (C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C = 8)

The interval quality refers to whether the interval is major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished. This is where things get a little more complicated, but don't worry, we can break it down. The quality depends on the exact number of half steps between the two notes. It's based on the major scale starting on the lower note.

• Major: The interval matches the corresponding interval in the major scale (e.g., C to E is a major third because E is in the C major scale).
• Minor: The interval is a half step smaller than the major interval (e.g., C to Eb is a minor third).
• Perfect: Used for unisons, fourths, fifths, and octaves that match the major scale.
• Augmented: A major or perfect interval that is a half step larger.
• Diminished: A minor or perfect interval that is a half step smaller.

To accurately determine the quality, you’ll need to understand the relationships between major scales, minor scales, and chromatic alterations. Many online resources can help you visualize this, so don’t be afraid to use them!

The most direct way to practice is by using a keyboard or piano.

1. Play intervals: Choose two notes and play them together. Focus on the sound and try to identify the interval.
2. Compare intervals: Play different intervals and compare their sounds. For example, play a major third and then a minor third and notice the difference in their character.
3. Build chords: Use your knowledge of intervals to build simple chords. This will help you understand how intervals function in a musical context.

Ear training involves learning to identify intervals by ear alone. This is a crucial skill for any musician.

1. Use ear training apps and websites: There are many excellent apps and websites that offer exercises specifically designed for interval recognition.
2. Listen to music actively: Pay attention to the intervals you hear in the music you listen to. Try to identify them by ear.
3. Sing intervals: Singing intervals can help you internalize their sound and make them easier to recognize.

Harmonic intervals are the building blocks of chords, and chords are the building blocks of chord progressions. Understanding intervals allows you to understand how chords are constructed and how they relate to each other. This knowledge is essential for songwriting, arranging, and improvisation.

Different intervals evoke different emotions. Consonant intervals tend to create feelings of stability and peace, while dissonant intervals create tension and excitement. Composers use these effects to create a wide range of emotional experiences for the listener.

Think about how a horror movie uses jarring, dissonant chords to create a sense of dread. Or how a romantic ballad uses lush, consonant harmonies to evoke feelings of love and tenderness. It's all about the intervals!

Remember, harmonic intervals are played simultaneously, while melodic intervals are played one after the other. Make sure you're focusing on the sound of the notes played together when identifying harmonic intervals.

Double-check your counting! It’s easy to miscount, especially when dealing with intervals larger than a fifth. Practice counting the lines and spaces on the staff to improve your accuracy.