It’s common for beginning guitar players to start with a basic chord chart, focusing on essential open-position chords that span 4, 5, or 6 strings. While this is a great entry point into playing, what’s often overlooked is the study of intervals—specifically simple melodic intervals on a single string and harmonic intervals on two adjacent strings.
In music, an interval is defined as the distance between two notes, or more technically, the ratio between their frequencies. While the concept is straightforward, the terminology around intervals can be surprisingly confusing for beginners. For example, C to E is called a major third, and so is D to F♯, E to G♯, F to A, and so on. Each is a major third, yet none of them have unique names to distinguish them from one another. Unlike chords or scales, intervals don’t have a standardized naming convention for each specific pair, which can make them harder to internalize when you’re starting out.
This lack of individualized names may be why so many students struggle to grasp intervals, even though they can often memorize more complex structures like triads or full scales with ease. Some educators come up with creative, context-based names for intervals in their own teaching systems, but there’s no official standard like there is for chords or modes. And speaking of modes—why don’t we have standardized names for pentatonic modes either? It seems like a missed opportunity to help students better organize and apply that knowledge.
Guitarists may be familiar with the term “power chord” or “5 chord” (e.g., C5, G5) to describe a root and fifth played together—technically a harmonic interval. Yet, we run into inconsistencies when compared with other chord symbols. An A6 or A7 chord implies a four-note structure, whereas a C5 typically includes just two notes. These discrepancies don’t make things easier when trying to categorize musical ideas.
It’s not unlike trying to make sense of the English measurement system—plenty of inconsistencies, but we adapt. Still, there’s room for improvement and clarity in how we teach and talk about intervals, especially on guitar.
Got ideas on better ways to name or teach intervals? I’d love to hear them. Drop your thoughts anytime.
—Henry Bahrou
Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director
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