Simple Intervals and the Degree of the Scale

An interval is the distance between two different notes. There are two types of intervals, a melodic interval, where the intervals are played one after the other and a harmonic interval, where the intervals are played together, so they are played at the same time.

These are the degrees of the scale; 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8ve. If we look at the music below and look at the first two notes on the first line. The notes are Bb to G. When working out the interval, always count from the lowest note. In this example it is G, so count from G up to B. G is one, A is two and B is three which is a 3rd. If we look at the third line and the first two notes, this is a D to D which is an 8ve (octave), a distance of eight notes, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D. All intervals are worked out the same way. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO COUNT THE INTERVAL FROM THE LOWEST NOTE.


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Taylor, E. (1990). Music Theory In Practice Grade 1. London: The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, pp. 20 and 21.