Interval ear training
An interval is the distance between two pitches. Recognizing intervals by ear makes it much easier to write down melodies, play songs by ear and sing harmonies: it's the most basic ear training skill.
Try it: name the interval
Intervals and semitones
| Interval | Semitones | Example from C | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor 2nd | 1 | C → D♭ | clashing, very tense |
| Major 2nd | 2 | C → D | one step up the scale |
| Minor 3rd | 3 | C → E♭ | soft, a little dark |
| Major 3rd | 4 | C → E | bright and warm |
| Perfect 4th | 5 | C → F | clear and open |
| Tritone | 6 | C → F♯ | unstable and restless |
| Perfect 5th | 7 | C → G | wide and stable |
| Minor 6th | 8 | C → A♭ | sweet, a little sad |
| Major 6th | 9 | C → A | bright and open |
| Minor 7th | 10 | C → B♭ | wants to move somewhere |
| Major 7th | 11 | C → B | sharp, just below the octave |
| Octave | 12 | C → C | the same note name, blends together |
How to practice
- Start with a few. Begin with intervals that sound very different (major 3rd, perfect 5th, octave), then add more.
- Practice melodic and harmonic. Notes one after another sound different from notes together.
- Sing before you answer. Hear the lower note, sing the upper one, then check.
- Five to ten minutes a day is enough to get noticeably faster.
The app's Trainer has all 12 intervals, with options for playback, range and note length.