Intervals are named according to the number of letter names they cover.
| Interval | Example |
|---|---|
| Unison | C to C |
| 2nd | C to D |
| 3rd | C to E |
| 4th | C to F |
| 5th | C to G |
| 6th | C to A |
| 7th | C to B |
| Octave | C to C |
Examples on the Piano
C → D = 2nd
C → E = 3rd
C → F = 4th
C → G = 5th
C → A = 6th
C → B = 7th
C → C = Octave
Major Intervals
Major intervals sound bright and happy.
Examples:
- Major 2nd = C to D
- Major 3rd = C to E
- Major 6th = C to A
- Major 7th = C to B
Minor Intervals
Minor intervals are one semitone smaller than major intervals.
Examples:
- Minor 2nd = C to D♭
- Minor 3rd = C to E♭
- Minor 6th = C to A♭
- Minor 7th = C to B♭
Quick Comparison
| Major | Minor |
| C – D | C – D♭ |
| C – E | C – E♭ |
| C – A | C – A♭ |
| C – B | C – B♭ |
Perfect Intervals
Certain intervals are called Perfect Intervals.
These include:
- Perfect Unison
- Perfect 4th
- Perfect 5th
- Perfect Octave
Examples
Perfect 4th = C to F
Perfect 5th = C to G
Perfect Octave = C to C
Perfect intervals are very stable and pleasant to hear.