18 Introduction to Intervals – Size
When examining two notes and their relationship to one another, we refer to this as an interval. When identifying intervals, we commonly need to identify two things: the distance (size) and the quality of the interval.
To identify the distance or size of an interval, simply count letter names in the musical alphabet from the lowest note in the interval to the top note. ALWAYS start by identifying which note is lower, as that is the root—the note used to identify both the distance and the quality.
Looking at the interval below, the lowest note is an E, and the top note is a B. Counting on the musical alphabet, count from E (1) to F(2) to G(3) to A(4) to B(5) – meaning that this interval is a fifth.
When the notes are separate like above, this is a melodic interval. When they are placed on top of each other like below, they are played simultaneously and are referred to as a harmonic interval. This doesn’t change how we name the interval in any way.
Exercise
Count the distance on the following examples from the bottom note to the top note to determine the size of the interval.
You can click the icon on the top-right corner of each note image to enlarge it. After you have entered your answer, click any space on the page to automatically check your answer.
