Intervals

Intervals…what are they and what do they do? More importantly, how does understanding them help you play music? This is one of those pieces of the music theory puzzle that opens up a whole world of “Ahhh, now I get it!”, yet few people bother to try to understand it.

Well, now you can “get it” too, just read on…

What is an Interval?

Here is how the dictionary defines an interval:

Interval noun

1. An intervening time or space
2. A pause or break in activity

In music, it’s the first definition that we’re after- an intervening space. This basically means (in a musical context): “The space between two notes”. So, an “interval” is just a measurement of how far apart two notes are in pitch.

The “Theory”

Here is how the logic behind this works: different intervals sound differently (you can test this by playing random combinations of two different notes at a time and each different combination will sound different to the last). Also, when you play two notes at once you’re almost playing a “mini-chord” (not a full chord because there aren’t enough notes). Therefore, different notes will sound different over each chord.

Have I said “different” too many times?! Nevermind, but you with me so far? Here comes the useful bit…

Melodies

If different notes sound different over each chord, and note distances are measured in intervals…then by understanding how each interval sounds you’ll start to understand how melodies (or solos, basslines, whatever…) work over the chords.

See, this is why I though it important enough to do a series on intervals- because this small bit of music theory will help you to know which notes will go with which chord (and you’ll have an idea of what they’ll sound like before you play them!

So, while understanding intervals wont make you a musical genius…it will allow you to understand how what you’re playing relates to each chord. It should also expand your choice of available notes for each chord beyond what your ear says will work.

Here are all the intervals covered in this series:

• The Unison (or “root note”)
• The 2nd/9th
• The 3rd
• The 4th/11th
• The 5th
• The 6th/13th
• The 7th

Rob.

October 6, 2011 at 3:30 pm | Music Theory | No comments