Understanding and Identifying Melodic Intervals

In music, an interval represents the distance between two notes. It's the gap, the space, the relationship. Just like measuring the distance between two points on a map, we're measuring the distance between two pitches. This distance gives a melody its character and flavor. Without intervals, all notes would be the same, and music would be pretty boring!

Now, here's a key distinction: melodic intervals and harmonic intervals. A melodic interval occurs when two notes are played successively, one after the other – like a melody. A harmonic interval, on the other hand, occurs when two notes are played simultaneously – like a chord. We're focusing on the melodic variety in this article, so think of those notes that step up or down in a tune.

The most common types of scales are major and minor. A major scale sounds bright and happy, while a minor scale often sounds sad or melancholic. Think of "Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do" – that's a major scale! Each note in the scale has a specific function and a corresponding scale degree.

In a C major scale, for example:

• C is the 1st degree (the Tonic)
• D is the 2nd degree
• E is the 3rd degree
• F is the 4th degree
• G is the 5th degree (the Dominant)
• A is the 6th degree
• B is the 7th degree
• C (an octave higher) is the 8th degree (also the Tonic)

Understanding these scale degrees allows us to see how intervals are formed within the context of a key. If a melody moves from C to E in C major, that's a movement from the 1st to the 3rd degree, and that's crucial for identifying the interval.

The numerical name indicates the number of scale degrees spanned by the interval. Count the starting note as "1," and then count up to the ending note.

• A second spans two scale degrees (e.g., C to D)
• A third spans three scale degrees (e.g., C to E)
• A fourth spans four scale degrees (e.g., C to F)
• A fifth spans five scale degrees (e.g., C to G)
• And so on…

This part is relatively straightforward, right?

This is where things get a little trickier, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down. The quality name describes the specific size of the interval in terms of half steps (semitones). The qualities we need to know are:

First, look at the two notes and count the number of scale degrees between them, including the starting and ending notes. This will give you the numerical name (second, third, fourth, etc.).

Next, you need to figure out the quality of the interval (major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished). This is best done by considering the key signature. If you know the key of the melody, you can determine whether the interval is major or perfect in that key. If it's not, then you need to consider if it’s been raised or lowered by a half step (making it augmented or diminished).

For example, if you see a melody in G major moving from G to B, you know that's a major third because G to B is a major third within the G major scale. But, if you see G to B♭ in G major, that's a minor third because the B has been lowered a half step.

There are countless ear training apps and websites available. These often involve listening to intervals and then trying to identify them. Some popular options include:

• Teoria
• Functional Ear Trainer
• Complete Ear Trainer

Many websites offer interactive tools for interval identification. These tools often allow you to play intervals and then receive immediate feedback on your answers. Just search for "interval ear training" and you'll find plenty.

One of the most common mistakes is confusing major and minor intervals. Remember that a minor interval is always a half step smaller than a major interval.

Always, always consider the key signature! The key signature tells you which notes are naturally sharp or flat in the key. This is crucial for determining the quality of the interval.

Understanding melodic intervals is fundamental to composing and improvising music. It allows you to create melodies that are both interesting and coherent. Knowing how different intervals sound and feel enables you to shape your musical ideas with precision.

Intervals are the building blocks of chords, scales, and harmonies. Understanding them is essential for analyzing music and understanding how it works. It opens up a whole new level of appreciation for the music you listen to. You start to hear the relationships between the notes, not just the notes themselves.