Introduction to Music Theory

Intervals

The Keyboard

Half Steps Whole Steps

Musical Alphabet in relation the keyboard

ABCDEFGA (Repeats after G)

These notes can be modified by using ACCIDENTALS

# means to raise the note a half step

b means to lower the note a half step

C D E F G A B C D E F G A B

C#/ D#/ F#/ G#/ A#/ C#/ D#/ F#/ G#/ A#/Db Eb Gb Ab Bb Db Eb Gb Ab Bb

Musical Alphabet in relation to the keyboard

Enharmonic- Two notes that look different but sound the same.

Ex.

Intervals

Interval- The relationship between two notes

Types of intervals

Harmonic- Two Notes played at the same time.

Melodic Interval- Two notes played separately, one after the other.

Melodic

Harmonic

Properties of Intervals

Quantity- The distance between two notes

Unison, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Octave

Properties of Intervals

Quality- Gives us a more specific description of the interval. Determined by the number of ½ steps between the notes.

Qualities of Intervals

Major (M)- used only with seconds, thirds, sixths, and sevenths. ½ step more than a minor interval.

Minor (m)- Used only with seconds, thirds, sixths, and sevenths. ½ step less than a major interval.

Perfect (P)- Used only with unisons, fourths, fifths, and ovtaves

Diminished (d)- Can be used with any interval quantity except unison. ½ step less than a minor or perfect interval.

Augmented (A)- Can be used with any interval quantity. Half step more than a major or perfect interval.

How to identify Intervals

Identify your two notes and write their names.

Count the number of notes between the two(including both notes).

Find the notes on your keyboard.

Then count the number of half steps (on the keyboard) between the two(don’t include the 1st note).

Use your chart and find the number of half steps(semitones) to identify the interval.