Examples 2a - Identifying and Labeling Intervals
Goals for this topic
Using the examples below, develop a simple explanation for how we find each of the following:
- the size of the interval between two pitches as represented by a numeral
- the quality of the interval as represented by the labels perfect, major, minor, diminshed, and augmented
- which sizes can use which qualities as well as the hierarchy of qualities for each size
- chromatic versus diatonic intervals
- simple versus compound intervals and how this affects classifying of quality and size
- how the size and quality change when the upper and lower pitches of an interval are inverted
In the examples, each interval represents the concept stated at the beginning of its staff, but each measure also has an important intervallic relationship to the measures above and below it.
Important concepts
Qualities: P = perfect, M = major, m = minor, A = augmented, d = diminished
Diatonic intervals in the examples below
- Major 3rd from the harmonic intervals
- Major 2nd from the melodic intervals
- Major 6th from simple intervals
- Perfect 15th and major 10th from the compound intervals
- Minor 6th from the inversion pairs
Chromatic intervals in the examples below