Intervals: Let's talk relationship (page 2 of 2)

So what’s the name of this interval?

The interval that spans 8 notes is an octave.

If you said "eighth," you got trapped by my trick question. We call this an octave. (“Oct,” of course, means “eight.”) Do you notice anything interesting about two notes that are an octave apart?

Move an octave and you end up at the same note.

Right--they have the same name. When you travel an octave you end up at the same note at a higher or lower level.

Keep in mind, too, that a second is also called a step. Each name has certain advantages, so you'll need to remember both.

Two white keys next to each other make up a step or second.

Next stop: chords!

< Page Page >