Intervals – Diatonic

Diatonic Intervals

The distance between two notes is classed as an interval. An interval played as one note after the other is called a melodic interval. All melodies are just a series of intervals ascending and descending.

If two notes are played together, it is called a harmonic interval. Chords are built from intervals played at the same time and this is what creates harmony.

When notes are used from a specific key, the intervals created are referred to as diatonic.

In a major key, the diatonic intervals are created from playing the tonic or 1^st note of the major scale and following it with another note from the scale.

The diatonic intervals using notes from a major scale are:

An interval is determined by its number position and its quality.

2nds, 3rds, 6ths & 7ths are Major. 

Unisons, 4ths, 5ths & Octaves are Perfect.

See my video “Intervals Part 1” for an explanation on how to apply this.