Intervals Defined
Disc I, Track 5
The quantity name of an interval is determined by the number of staff degrees
(lines and spaces) covered. For example, C up to E is a 3rd and C up to G is
a 5th.
The quality name is determined by the number of ½ steps covered.
When analyzing and labeling intervals, use the following rules:
• Count the lines and spaces that are covered to find the quantity
name number of the interval.
• Determine whether the top note can be found in the major scale of
the bottom note. If it can, the interval is major in quality (M), if it
is a 2nd, 3rd, 6th, or 7th. If the interval is a 4th, 5th, or octave, it will be
called perfect (P).
• If the interval is ½ step smaller than major, it is minor (m).
• If the interval is ½ step smaller than minor or perfect, it is
diminished (o).
• If the interval is ½ step larger than major or perfect, it is augmented
(+).
• If each note of the interval can be found in the major scale of the
other note, it is perfect (P). This only occurs in 4ths, 5ths, and octaves