Let's use the smallest interval, a 2nd, as our practical example for the "Major" family of intervals. Let's build the interval above a C. To have two consecutive letter names counting the C, we would get no further up than a D. Therefore, this second must always have some form of a C and some form of a D to still remain a 2nd. The closer the notes get together, the smaller the interval is considered. So, C and Db are closer and smaller than C and D#.
Because a 2nd is a member of the "Major" family, it has
four common forms (from smallest to largest):
Diminished
C# and Db--actually the same (enharmonic note). This is therefore the most consonant form of the 2nd.
Minor
C and Db--because these notes are only 1/2 step apart, this form of the 2nd is the most dissonant.
or C# and D--just like C and Db, only 1/2 step higher.
Play the examples several times to see if you can hear how they are the same even though they have different notes. It is the distance between the two notes that is always the same and makes this interval recognizable.
Major
C and D--this form of the 2nd is still dissonant but less than the minor 2nd above.
or C# and D#--just like C and D, only 1/2 step higher.
or Cb and Db--just like C and D, only 1/2 step lower.
Play the examples several times to see if you can hear how they are the same even though they have different notes. It is the distance between the two notes that is always the same and makes this interval recognizable.
Augmented
C and D#--this form of the 2nd is actually fairly consonant because the notes are three half steps apart.
or Cb and D--just like C and D#, only 1/2 step lower.
Play the examples several times to see if you can hear how they are the same even though they have different notes. It is the distance between the two notes that is always the same and makes this interval recognizable.
Please continue with the next section of this lesson.
