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beginner course
Understanding Intervals
Intervals are the building blocks of melody and harmony. Learn their names, sizes and shapes, and find them anywhere on the neck.
By the end you'll be able to:
- Name any interval by number and quality
- Connect interval names to half-step sizes and fretboard shapes
- Find and recognise intervals from any root
Understanding Intervals
Numbers, qualities, altered intervals, shapes across strings, and intervals in every direction.
- Measuring the Distance Between NotesAn interval is the gap between two notes. On guitar, you can count it in frets.7 min · 4 exercises
- Interval Numbers: Counting LettersSeconds, thirds, fifths: an interval's number comes from letter names.8 min · 5 exercises
- Major, Minor and PerfectQualities tell you the exact size: how many half steps an interval spans.10 min · 6 exercises
- Augmented, Diminished and the TritoneStretch or squeeze an interval by a half step and its name changes, even when the sound doesn't.9 min · 5 exercises
- Interval Shapes Across StringsEvery interval has a shape you can see and reach without counting.12 min · 5 exercises
- Intervals Around a RootFind intervals below a note and beyond the octave, and recognise them by shape alone.11 min · 6 exercises
- Checkpoint: IntervalsCheckpointName, size and find intervals on the fretboard.10 min · 8 exercises