8 Minor Intervals

In addition to the seven diatonic intervals, we are also going to study four minor intervals. A minor interval is when the TOP NOTE of a major interval is lowered by one semitone. (Read about interval quality in Introduction to Music Theory and Rudiments.)

Minor 2nd

Listen to the minor second interval. How does it sound? Can you hum it? Can you sing it on the numbers? Use the Record button below and evaluate.

Minor 2nd

Major 2nd

Compare the two intervals. In what way are they the same? Different? Try singing/humming them both. Flipping back and forth between major and minor, can you hear the difference? Continue this process through the remaining minor intervals.

Minor 3rd

Major 3rd

Minor 6th

Major 6th

Minor 7th

Major 7th

Singing and humming intervals is a very useful tool to become familiar with how they sound and feel, and for identifying them. Another method used to identify intervals is song association. Each diatonic and minor interval can be matched to a well-known song.

Video 8.1 Intervals. [Video transcript – See Appendix B 8.1]

Major 2nd – Happy Birthday

Major 3rd – When the Saints Go Marching In

Perfect 4th – Amazing Grace, Here Comes the Bride

Perfect 5th – Star Wars theme

Major 6th – My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean

Major 7th – Take On Me (A-ha)

Minor 2nd – Jaws theme

Minor 3rd – O Canada

Minor 6th – Love theme from The Godfather, Yeah! (Usher)

Minor 7th- Star Trek theme, The Winner Takes It All (ABBA)

While this list might be helpful, it is important to note that these intervals are found in all types of music, and this list is just a starting point. A favourite song, something from your childhood, or a piece you’ve previously performed may have a strong association for you on a particular interval, and using that as a reference piece may be more useful.