By now, you should already know what Whole and Half steps are.
To review:
Half Step (h): From key to key (no keys in between)
Whole Step (w): Every other key (one key in between)
Equivalents:
2 Half steps = 1 whole step
2 Whole steps = 4 Half Steps
1 Half Step = 1 / 2 Whole Step
Examples:
C to E = 2 Whole Steps / or 4 Half Steps
F to F# = 1 Half Step
G to C = 5 Half Steps / 2.5 Half Steps
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Intervals
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Intervals are important. They form major, minor, and other type of chords.
Do you know what an interval is?
An Interval in music, is the “distance in pitch between two notes.” In our 300-pg course, we cover over 7 different types of Intervals (major, perfect, melodic, harmonic, minor, augmented, diminished, etc)
In this lesson, we will cover only two:
Major Intervals & Perfect Intervals
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Major Third:
Is the distance between the root and the (3) degree of a major scale.
For example, in (C major), the root is (C) of course, and the (3) degree is: (E).
(C) and (E) played together is classified as a “major third.” This is the beginning of a major chord.
Perfect Fifth:
Is the distance between the root and the (5) degree of a major scale.
For example, in (C major), the root is (C), and the 5th degree is: (G)
(C) and (G) played together is classified as a “perfect fifth.”
As you will learn tomorrow, these two intervals combine to make up the “major chord.”
Try to figure out the major third and perfect fifth intervals in all 12 major keys!
See you later and thank you for your time!
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September 1st, 2008 (comment#1)
As a 76 year young student I find this kind of info very useful. And all I can add is thanks for all the well written information. Getting used to piano terminology is key, to me anyway, to achieve understanding. There are sooo many catagories or areas that show up when you start to learn or play. I have a tendency to try to cover to much. I’m getting there but it tests my patience and I want to keep making it fun.
September 1st, 2008 (comment#2)
@marshall! Congrats on your decision to learn and thanks for your great feedback! You’ll get all you need here so come back regularly. Just take it step by step and you’ll be alright :).
All the best,
Jermaine