Intervals

Question 1

Major keys

Answer 1

• In major scales, the interval between the key-note and the 4th and 5th degrees is the same as it is in the minor scales, and these intervals are called perfect
• The key-note to its octave is also a perfect interval
• The interval between the key-note and all other degrees is major: major 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th

Question 2

Minor keys

Answer 2

• In minor keys, the 4th and 5th degrees are the same as in the major scale, so they produce perfect intervals. So does the octave
• The interval between the key-note and the third degree is different: it is a minor 3rd
• The 6th and 7th degrees of minor scales vary according to whether the harmonic or melodic minor scale is being used, and also whether it is ascending or descending
• If the 6th and 7th degrees in a minor scale are the same as in a major scale, they produce major intervals from the key-note, otherwise they are minor

Question 3

Augmented

Answer 3

When a major interval is made a semitone larger, it becomes augmented.

Question 4

Diminished

Answer 4

When a minor interval is made a semitone smaller, it becomes diminished