Working out Intervals
The method of working out intervals is the same for both melodic (i.e. separate notes) and harmonic (i.e. notes played together) intervals: Count up the letter names, starting from the lower note.
Look again at the intervals above.
The lower note is D. The higher note is F. This means we count the letter names D, E and F. Three letters, so this interval is a third.
When two notes are exactly the same pitch (the same position on the stave), the interval is called a unison (in the ABRSM exams it is also called a “1st”).
An interval of an 8th is normally called an octave, or “8ve” for short. (Or “8th” in the ABRSM exams).
Here are the intervals from the unison to the octave in D minor, built on top of the tonic note D:
Point your mouse at the staves (tap on mobile devices) to reveal the answers.
Intervals Exercises
1. Draw a circle round two notes next to each other that are a 5th apart.
2. Draw a circle round two notes next to each other that are a 4th apart.
3. Draw a circle round two notes next to each other that are a 6th apart.
4. Draw a circle round two notes next to each other that are an octave apart.
Writing Intervals
1. Above each note, write another note to form the named harmonic interval. The key is given.
2. After each note, write a higher note to form the named melodic interval. The key is given.
