Musical intervals can be thought of like basic measurements we learn early in life—such as inches, feet, or yards. In music, intervals refer to the space or distance between two notes. Just as we measure physical distance, musicians measure pitch distance with intervals.
In the most fundamental sense, an interval is the distance between two musical pitches. Musicians are encouraged to recognize intervals not only visually on staff notation but also aurally—by ear. Each interval has a distinct sound and emotional effect, making interval training essential for developing musical intuition and understanding.
Intervals fall into two main categories: simple intervals and compound intervals. Simple intervals span one octave or less, while compound intervals extend beyond an octave. There are 13 recognized simple intervals, beginning with the perfect unison, which represents no distance—it’s the same note repeated or played simultaneously.
When intervals are played at the same time, they’re called harmonic intervals. When played one after the other, they’re melodic intervals. Each type has unique musical applications.
The minor 2nd is the smallest measurable interval in the equal-tempered tuning system, which is the standard system used in most Western music, including pop, jazz, rock, blues, and country. On the guitar, a minor 2nd is the distance from one fret to the next. On the piano, it’s the distance from one key to the very next adjacent key, whether black or white. Played harmonically, a minor 2nd typically sounds dissonant or tense.
Here are a few examples of minor 2nds:
- C to D♭
- C♯ to D
- D to E♭
- D♯ to E
From there, intervals increase in size and include:
- Major 2nd
- Minor 3rd
- Major 3rd
- Perfect 4th
- Tritone (Augmented 4th/Diminished 5th)
- Perfect 5th
- Minor 6th
- Major 6th
- Minor 7th
- Major 7th
- Perfect Octave
Learning to identify and use intervals is foundational for both improvisation and composition. Whether you’re practicing on guitar, piano, or another instrument, gaining fluency with intervals improves your ability to build chords, harmonize melodies, and better understand music theory.
If you’re serious about advancing your musicianship, studying intervals is a vital step in the journey. Ask your instructor for interval exercises or seek out a trusted reference guide to begin developing your knowledge and ear training.
By Henry Bahrou – Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director
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