- An interval measures the distance between two notes.
- We will first discuss generic intervals, which are measured on the staff.
- When two notes occupy the same line or space, they are a first (or a prime) apart.
- C to C is an example of a first.
- D to D and E to E are also firsts.
- Accidentals are ignored when measuring generic intervals, only staff position matters.
- C—C#, D—Db, and A#—Ab are still firsts.
- As the notes become further apart on the staff, the interval type increases.
- C—D, D—E, and E—F are all seconds.
- C—E, D—F, and E—G are all thirds.
- Notice that thirds will always share the same staff position type — either both on a line or both on a space.
- C—F, D—G, and E—A are all fourths.
- C—G, D—A, and E—B are all fifths.
- C—A, D—B, and E—C are all sixths.
- C—B, D—C, and E—D are all sevenths.
- C—C, D—D, and E—E are all eighths.
- Use this chart to reference generic intervals.
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