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Mus 1301 Theory I

Fri., Jan. 23, 2015

Interval Methods Review

Method #1: Major Scale

From Do up to each scale degree forms only

MAJOR & PERFECT intervals.

Turn in Workbook p. 7-8

TODAYS TOPIC: Intervals Method #3

Method #2: Half Steps

Memorize the number of half steps in interval

sizes m2 (1) through P8 (12).

Intervals

Intervals

Method #3: Basic Intervals

Method #3: Basic Intervals

A basic interval is the distance between two pitches

without any accidentals.

Using this method, you will memorize the quality of

basic intervals (intervals with no accidentals).

There are seven basic intervals for each interval size,

one for each letter of the musical alphabet, A-G.

Then, when analyzing an interval with accidentals, 1st

analyze the basic version and then consider what affect
the accidentals have on the intervals quality.

Adding the same accidental to both notes of a basic

interval does not change its quality.

Method #3: Basic Intervals

OCTAVES
All basic octaves are PERFECT.

If either note has an accidental on it, the octave is
NOT PERFECT.

If the accidental causes the interval to be

smaller, it is DIMINISHED.

Method #3: Basic Intervals

UNISONS
All basic unisons are PERFECT.

If one of the notes has an accidental on it, the
interval is larger than a perfect unison, thus it
is AUGMENTED.

There is no such thing as
a DIMINISHED unison.

If the accidental causes the interval to be

larger, it is AUGMENTED.

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Method #3: Basic Intervals

FIFTHS
All basic fifths are PERFECT, except for one,
B-F, which is DIMINISHED.

With the exception of the B-F fifth, fifths are
PERFECT if both notes have the same
accidental on them. If both notes are natural, or
sharped or flatted, the interval is PERFECT.

Method #3: Basic Intervals

FOURTHS
All basic fourths are PERFECT, except for one,
F-B, which is AUGMENTED.

Knowing this enables you to easily spell, write
and identify fourths.

With the exception of the F-B fourth, fourths
are PERFECT if both notes have the same
accidental on them. If both notes are natural, or
sharped or flatted, the interval is PERFECT.

Method #3: Basic Intervals

SECONDS

Method #3: Basic Intervals

THIRDS

All basic seconds are MAJOR except for two

All basic thirds are MINOR except for three

E-F and B-Cwhich are MINOR.

Remember, adding the same accidental to both
notes of a basic interval does not change its
quality.

If the two notes have differing accidentals,
compare the interval to its basic version and
adjust the quality.

C-E, F-A and G-Bwhich are MAJOR.

When analyzing a 3rd with one or more
accidental, first analyze the quality of its
basic version, then adjust its quality by
adding back the accidental(s).

Memorize the BASIC 3rds

Thirds built on C, F & G are basically MAJOR.

Thirds built on D, E, A & B are basically MINOR.

INVERSION
Inversion (of an interval) = flipping it so that the
bottom note becomes the top and vice versa.
The numerical size of an interval plus its inversion
equals 9. (2 + 7, 3 + 6, 4 + 5)
The quality of an interval changes under inversion as
follows:
M becomes m; m becomes M
A becomes d; d becomes A
P intervals remain P.
Thats why theyre PERFECT!

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INVERSION

INVERSION

Thus when inverted,

Thus when inverted,

M6 becomes ____

M6 becomes m3

m2 becomes ____

m2 becomes M7

A4 becomes ____

A4 becomes d5

d8 becomes ____

d8 becomes A1

P5 becomes ____

P5 becomes P4

Using Inversions to Solve

Large Interval Questions
When asked to write or analyze a large interval (a
6th or 7th), you may find it easier to write or analyze
its inversion first.
For ex., need a M7 down? Find the pitch a m2 up
and write it below the given pitch.

CONSONANCE &
DISSONANCE
Harmonic intervals are classified as:
Consonant = pleasing, agreeable
1, 3, 5, 6, 8
Dissonant = strident, discordant
2, 7, & 4 (over the bass note)
See p. 22 E for practice problems.

PRACTICE PROBLEMS
See Self-Test 1-6 pp. 21-23. Part A focuses on
diminished and augmented intervals.
Part C offers the challenge of writing intervals
downwards for which Methods #2 & #3 can help!
Part D asks you to label melodic intervals. Watch out
for accidentals still in effect from earlier in the
measure!

Homework due Monday

Key Signatures memorize Majors & minors!
Practice intervals as needed with S-T 1-6
Do WB (workbook) pp. 9-10; on Part C, do oddnumbered problems only.
NEVER ALTER THE GIVEN PITCH!