Intervals & Chords
Interval: a combination of two notes
a. Interval names: The name of an interval (third, fifth, etc.) describes the distance between the 2 pitches in the following manner:
- Unison: no distance (could be played by two different instruments)
- Minor Second: one semitone
- Major Second: two semitones
- Minor Third: three semitones
- Major Third: four semitones
- Perfect Fourth: five semitones
- Tritone: six semitones
- Perfect Fifth: seven semitones
- Minor Sixth: eight semitones
- Major Sixth: nine semitones
- Minor Seventh: ten semitones
- Major Seventh: eleven semitones
- Octave: twelve semitones
- Augmented: one semitone added
- Diminished: one semitone subtracted
(The designation of "augmented" or "diminished" intervals is based on the spelling of the notes: i.e. where they are placed on the staff, which is determined by the scale or key or chord being used.)
b. Harmonic intervals: notes played simultaneously thus creating harmony
c. Melodic intervals: notes played one after the other thus creating melody
d. Dissonance: two or more notes whose overtones conflict or clash
e. Consonance: two or more notes with some overtones in common
Chords (any combination of tones played simultaneously)
a. Triad: a three-note chord built of two stacked thirds
b. A Major triad’s three notes are root, major third and perfect fifth (first, third, and fifth notes of a major scale)
c. A Minor triad’s three notes are root, minor third, and perfect fifth (first, third, and fifth notes of a minor scale)
d. Seventh chords: triads with an added seventh (first, third, fifth, and seventh notes of a scale)
e. Inversions: chords in which the root tone is not the lowest note.
f. Other chords: Chords which contain additions or alterations.
g. Arpeggio: (harp-like) the notes of a chord played or sung in sequence, one after the other, rather than simultaneously
h. Tone Cluster: three or more adjacent tones, played simultaneously