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Interval – Definition
An interval is the distance between two musical notes. Intervals may be played one after another (melodic intervals) or at the same time (harmonic intervals).
What is an Interval?
Intervals are the fundamental building blocks of melody and harmony. They are named according to the number of letter names they span, such as a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or octave. Each interval has a distinct size and sound, which gives it a unique musical character.
Understanding intervals is essential for constructing scales, chords, melodies, and harmonic progressions. Interval recognition is also an important part of ear training and music theory.
How is an Interval used in piano playing?
Pianists use intervals when reading music, building chords, playing melodies, and improvising. Recognizing interval patterns on the keyboard makes it easier to transpose music, identify chord tones, and develop technical fluency.
Common piano techniques, such as octaves, thirds, sixths, and tenths, are all based on interval relationships and appear frequently in accompaniment and solo piano playing.