Intervals Theory & Application, Part 2: Listening to Intervals
It is very important to every musician to see what they hear and hear what they see. A great way to develop that is to start with simple intervals exercises and relate them to sounds that you have already stuck in your head, for example:
What is the Minor Second of the Note G?
Minor Second = One note ahead + Half Step Apart = Ab
Now when we play those simple notes, one after the other repeatedly, we can easily recall the familiar theme of “Jaws."
E------------------------- B------------------------- G------------------------- D------------------------- A------------------------- E—3-4--3-4--3-4-3-4-3-4---
What is the Perfect Fourth of the Note D?
Perfect Fourth = Three notes ahead + 2 whole steps and a Half apart = G
We can get a little creative with this interval and perhaps play the D note three times and the G note once and we’ll have the very beginning of the Star Wars Theme.
E--------------------3---- B-----------3-1-0------3-- G--------0--------2------- D--0-0-0------------------ A------------------------- E—------------------------
Now, you do not need to use movie themes to do this sort of association, but it is a very good idea to come up with a list of simple intervals and associate them all with a movie theme, song, commercial whatever you want. This is not only a great way to keep practicing intervals but also a good way to develop your ears.
Now it is your turn. Come up with a list of sounds and associate with your intervals and feel free to send them to me for a double check! And don't forget to keep reviewing part number one of this article
Have fun and stay tuned for part three of our intervals study.