(INT) Generic Intervals Lesson

Generic Intervals

An interval measures the distance between two notes. We will first discuss generic intervals, which are measured on the staff. The term generic here refers to the quantity (number) of the interval, not the quality (major, minor, etc.).

When two notes occupy the same line or space, they are a first (or a prime) apart. The two notes are also said to be in unison with each other since they are the same exact note.

C to C is an example of a first, prime or unison.

C to C# and C to Cb are also generic firsts or primes but they would not be considered unisons since they are not the same exact note. Notes are only considered in unison if they are same exact note. Remember a generic interval refers to quality of the interval, not quality.

When two notes are separated by a step, they are a generic second apart.

 

C to D is an example of a second.

C to D#, Cb to D, and Cb to D# are also all generic seconds.

As the notes become further apart, their interval type increases. C to E is an example of a generic third.

E to G and F to A are also generic thirds.

C to F is a generic fourth.

C to G is a generic fifth.

C to A is a generic sixth.

C to B is a generic seventh.

C to C is a generic eighth (or octave).

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