Intervals
An interval is the distance between two notes — the raw material of every melody and chord. Learn how intervals are named and sized, then play each one on the interactive piano to train your ear.
What is an interval?
An interval is the pitch distance between two notes. Every interval has two parts: a number that counts the letter names it spans (a 3rd, a 5th, an octave) and a quality that pins down its exact size (major, minor, perfect, augmented, or diminished). Together they give an interval its full name, like "major third" or "perfect fifth."
Interval quality
The smallest unit of distance is the semitone (half step). We measure every interval in semitones:
- Perfect intervals — the unison, 4th, 5th, and octave. They sound stable and open.
- Major and minor — the 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, and 7ths. Minor is always one semitone smaller than major.
- Augmented — one semitone larger than perfect or major.
- Diminished — one semitone smaller than perfect or minor.
The interval chart
Here is every interval within one octave, from unison (0 semitones) to octave (12). "Example from C" shows the target note when you start on C.
| Semitones | Interval | Short | Example from C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Perfect unison | P1 | C |
| 1 | Minor second | m2 | D♭ |
| 2 | Major second | M2 | D |
| 3 | Minor third | m3 | E♭ |
| 4 | Major third | M3 | E |
| 5 | Perfect fourth | P4 | F |
| 6 | Tritone | TT | F♯ / G♭ |
| 7 | Perfect fifth | P5 | G |
| 8 | Minor sixth | m6 | A♭ |
| 9 | Major sixth | M6 | A |
| 10 | Minor seventh | m7 | B♭ |
| 11 | Major seventh | M7 | B |
| 12 | Perfect octave | P8 | C |
Common questions
What is a musical interval?
The distance in pitch between two notes, described by a number (3rd, 5th, octave) and a quality (major, minor, perfect, augmented, diminished).
How many semitones is a perfect fifth?
Seven semitones — for example, C up to G.
What is the difference between a major and minor interval?
A minor interval is exactly one semitone smaller than the matching major interval. A major third is four semitones; a minor third is three.
What is a tritone?
An interval of six semitones (augmented fourth / diminished fifth). It's famously tense and unstable, which makes it great for creating and then resolving drama.
Train your ear for real
Melody Monkey's Ear Training tool drills intervals and chords — and rewards correct answers with credits.
Open the ear trainer →Still stuck? Ask Your Personal Music Teacher about Intervals →