EXCERPT 2

Whole steps and half steps are the basic building blocks for the major scale. The whole step equals two half steps. The distance between two notes is called an interval. For example the distance between C and D is a whole step. This is also called a major second interval. It is important to know intervals because chords are frequently named for the intervals in their internal structure. All two note interval combinations from the root of the major scale are listed below.

If we sharp any of these intervals we create an augmented interval. If we flat a major second, third sixth or seventh we create a minor interval. If we flat a perfect fourth, a fifth, or an octave we get a diminished interval, and if we double flat the major 7th we have a diminished 7th. The following is a list of some of the more common augmented, minor and diminished intervals. These are explored in all keys with the basic intervals exercise on page 16.

If we continue past the octave, intervals are given new names to show that they are more than an octave apart. The larger intervals exercise on page 17 covers these intervals. Here are a few examples.

An augmented interval may be written in different ways. A (+) may appear before the number, or a (#) or (aug). If the interval is flatted it is usually indicated with a flat. Here are some of the common interval names you will need to know.