Understand interval names and sounds with clear guides to perfect, major, minor, augmented, and diminished intervals.
A major third is a musical interval spanning four semitones, defined by a frequency ratio of 5:4 in just intonation and 400 cents in equal temperament. It forms the upper structure of major chords and is a cornerstone of Western tonal harmony.
A minor third is a musical interval spanning three letter names and three semitones. It is one of the most common intervals in Western music, forming the basis of minor chords and scales.
A major seventh is an interval spanning eleven semitones, one step below the octave. It is a distinctive, slightly dissonant interval used in a variety of musical styles, especially in jazz and contemporary harmony.
An augmented interval is a musical interval that is one semitone larger than a perfect or major interval. It creates heightened tension and is used in a variety of harmonic contexts across many styles.
The minor sixth is a musical interval spanning eight semitones, equivalent to a distance of 800 cents in equal temperament. It can be heard in melody and harmony across many musical styles and has distinct acoustic properties in just intonation.
A major second is a musical interval spanning two semitones, also known as a whole tone. It is one of the basic building blocks of Western tonal music, appearing in scales, melodies, and harmonies.
A minor seventh is an interval spanning ten semitones, commonly used in chords, melodies, and harmonic progressions across many musical styles.
A compound interval is a musical interval that spans more than an octave, such as a ninth or thirteenth. It is measured by counting the number of scale degrees and quality, extending the principles used for simple intervals.
The minor second is the smallest interval in the standard Western twelve‑tone system, spanning one semitone. It is a highly dissonant interval used for expressive tension in melody, harmony, and orchestration.
The major sixth is a musical interval spanning nine semitones, known for its warm, consonant quality. It appears in melodies, harmonies, and chord structures across many musical styles.