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---
It does not matter what note you are starting with, a minor second interval will always sound like “Jaws.” Although, if you start with a different note, you will have the movie theme in a different key.

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.

 

Related:

Learn Guitar

Loading cart contents...
Load contents