• Intervals

  • An interval is the distance between two pitches. An interval is labeled in two parts: the interval number (unison, 1, through octave, 8) is the number of staff positions between the two pitches and the interval quality (augmented, major, minor, diminished, perfect) is determined by the number of half steps between the two pitches. Intervals that are unisons, fourths, fifths, or octaves are perfect and are labeled with a diminished, perfect, or augmented quality. Intervals that are seconds, thirds, sixths, or sevenths are imperfect and are labeled as either diminished, minor, major, or augmented. Below is a table that outlines the equivalant interval names for each possible number of halfsteps.

    Intervals
    Halfsteps Equivalant Intervals
    0 P1 d2 Play in C Stop
    1 A1 m2 Play in C
    2 M2 d3 Play in C
    3 A2 m3 Play in C
    4 M3 d4 Play in C
    5 A3 P4 Play in C
    6 A4 d5 Play in C
    7 P5 d6 Play in C
    8 A5 m6 Play in C
    9 M6 d7 Play in C
    10 A6 m7 Play in C
    11 M7 d8 Play in C
    12 A7 P8 Play in C
    13 A8 Play in C

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