An interval is the distance between two notes. At Grade 1 we describe it by a number. To find it, count the letter names from the lower note up to the upper note, including both.
X:1
L:1/2
K:C clef=treble
"3rd"[CE] "5th"[CG] "8ve"[Cc] |
For example, C up to E: count C(1) D(2) E(3) — a 3rd. C up to G is a 5th. Two notes of the same pitch are a unison (1st); a note up to the next same-letter note is an octave (8th).
Counting from C
- C – D = 2nd · C – E = 3rd · C – F = 4th
- C – G = 5th · C – A = 6th · C – B = 7th · C – C = 8th (octave)
Remember
- Count letter names from bottom to top, including both notes.
- Same pitch = unison (1st); eight letters up = octave (8th).
- C up to G is a 5th.