(INT) Major and Perfect Intervals Lesson

Major and Perfect Interval 

Specific intervals are measured both on the staff (by quantity) and in half steps on the keyboard (by quality).

As you learned in the previous lesson, C to D and C to Db are both generic seconds. Specifically, however, C to D is one half step larger than C to Db. Let's learn a few specific intervals.

A major second is made up of two half steps. 

C to D is a major second since it is a generic second on the staff and encompasses two half steps on the keyboard.

E to F# would be another example of a major second.

A major third is made up of four half steps. C to E is a major third.

E to G# is also a major third.

A perfect fourth is made up of five half steps. C to F is a perfect fourth.

F to Bb is also a perfect fourth.

A perfect fifth is made up of seven half steps. C to G is a perfect fifth.

B to F# is also a perfect fifth.

A major sixth is made up of nine half steps. C to A is a major sixth.

Eb to C is also a major sixth.

A major seventh is made up of eleven half steps. C to B is a major seventh.

D to C# is also a major seventh.

Finally, a perfect eighth (or perfect octave) is made up of twelve half steps. C to C is a perfect eighth.

Every interval created in a major scale is either major or perfect as shown above. You may use the intervals formed in a major scale to help you calculate specific intervals as well, instead of counting half steps.

 

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