Lesson Ten: Intervals

 

Now we are going to learn some intervals larger than the semitone and tone. Another name for a tone is a 2nd. If we count from the bottom note (eg C) to the next, D. We find only two notes (C and D) so we call it a 2nd. If we are using the notes C-E, we count up from C, including C, D and E and find there are three notes so we call it a 3rd.
Using this plan, if we are to find a name for the interval between the notes C and F (above it), what would that interval be?_________

I hope you answered that C to F would be a 4th! Now try these questions: Remember that when you are finding intervals, always count both the note you begin on and the note you end on.
1. C to G is a ____th.
2. C to A is a ____th.
3. C to B is a ____th.
4. C to C is an ____th or an octave.
When we write the same note twice we call that a unison rather than a 1st. The prefix "uni" means one and shows that there is only one pitch sounding. PITCH is another word for how high or low a note is.

We can use the same plan for finding interval names in any scale. If we begin with the note G and are asked to name the interval from G-A we would call this a 2nd. If we are asked to name the interval between G and B we would call this a 3rd.
 

5. What do we call the interval from G to C?_______
6. What do we call the interval from G to D?_______
7. What do we call the interval from G to E?_______
8. What do we call the interval from G to F#?________
9. What do we call the interval from G to G?________
10. What do we call two G notes next to each other of the same pitch?________
 


Now beginning with the note F, name the following intervals:
11. F to C________
12. F to E________
13. F to Bb________
14. F to G_________
15. F to A_________

You are now ready to play the interval flashcard game. Go to the  Basic Interval Pages One & Two and print out each page on a piece of A4 sized cardboard. Cut the cards out. Mark the opposite side in pen (or pencil if you are worried about making a mistake) with the interval that is printed on the opposite side. Remember to count the note names beginning with the first letter and including the last letter: G-C= G-A-B-C, a 4th.

Now you are ready to play the game. Put all the cards with the note names up (and the interval name side facing down) on the floor between yourself and a friend. After you say "go" each take one card and without peeking at the other side, write down on some paper what the name of that interval is. Keep going until all the cards are gone to see who can get the most interval names right. To make it easier to keep track of your answers, number each line on your answer page from 1-15 so that you can keep your answers in order.

When all the cards are gone, just turn over the cards and you can find the answers on the other side. Give yourself a point for each correct answer.