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The Elements of Harmony > Intervals (basic) > Interval Name Chart

Interval Names

The chromatic scale is a sequence of 12 notes within the interval of an octave. As measured from the root, or bottom note of this scale, the names of the twelve intervals between each of the twelve notes and the root are:

root - 2nd note: minor 2nd

root - 3rd note: major 2nd

root - 4th note: minor 3rd

root - 5th note: major 3rd

root - 6th note: perfect fourth

root - 7th note: augmented 4th (or diminished 5th)

root - 8th note: perfect 5th

root - 9th note: minor 6th

root - 10th note: major 6th

root - 11th note: minor 7th

root - 12th note: major 7th

root - 13th note: octave

Sometimes, a perfect or minor interval may be decreased by a half step. On the staff, this can be achieved by simply placing the (flat) symbol in front of the top note (or by placing the (sharp) symbol in front of the bottom note). Since the note position on the staff remains the same, but is merely preceded by an extra flat or sharp symbol, the name of the new interval changes from "perfect" (or "minor") to "diminished".

A similar procedure applies to a perfect or major interval. The interval may be increased by a half step, by simply placing the symbol in front of the top note (or by placing the symbol in front of the bottom note). In this case the interval name changes from "perfect" (or "major") to "augmented".