1 Introduction to Music Theory: intervals

When you play two notes, one higher than the other, the distance in pitch between them is called an Interval. The interval is melodic if the notes are played one after the other. It is harmonic when the notes are played together. The interval is determined not by the number of semitones involved, but by the positions of the two notes written on the stave.

To find the distance between notes on the stave count the lower note as the first, then count the number of places (lines and spaces) up to the higher note. The number gives the name of the interval.

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