Intervals

An interval is the distance between two notes. Intervals are always counted from the lower note to the higher one, with the lower note being counted as one. Intervals come in different qualities and size. If the notes are sounded successively, it is a melodic interval. If sounded simultaneously, then it is a harmonic interval.
 * Intervals 1 **

The smallest interval used in Western music is the half step. A visual representation of a half step would be the distance between a consecutive white and black note on the piano. There are two exceptions to this rule, as two natural half steps occur between the notes E and F, and B and C.

A whole step is the distance between two consecutive white or black keys. It is made up of two half steps.



Between C to C# is a **half step (semitone or minor 2nd)**, another semitone between white notes is from E to F. White notes that have a black note in between them, the interval is a **tone (major 2nd or whole step)** How to count steps?

as you see here, from B to D there are 3 steps, so the interval is __3rd__ from F to D, there are 6 steps, so the interval is __6th__.




 * Exercises : **
 * Name the intervals below: **



**Major and Minor Intervals**

Seconds, thirds, sixths, and sevenths can be major intervals or minor intervals. The minor interval is always a half-step smaller than the major interval. Major and Minor Intervals



1 half-step = minor second (m2) 2 half-steps = major second (M2) 3 half-steps = minor third (m3) 4 half-steps = major third (M3)



Listen to the minor second, major second, minor third, major third,

Exercise 2 : major 3rd or minor 3rd?