In diatonic set theory a specific interval is the clockwise distance between pitch classes on the chromatic circle (interval class), in other words the number of half steps between notes. Although this sounds simple and clear, it is very common amongst theory students to do mistakes when writing intervals. Why? Because different intervals may have the same number of half steps.
An example is the augmented fourth interval and the diminished fifth. Both have the same number of half steps (six) and therefore sound the same, but still they are different, as the first is a fourth interval while the later is a fifth. So is there a method to help you avoid mistakes? Yes there is, and it consists of three simple steps: (a) Write on the staff the generic interval, (b) Count the number of half steps (frets on the same string on the mandolin), (c) Compare with the staff and add accidentals.
Thats it! See below examples that will help you understand.
A Simple method to Write Intervals without mistakes
Writing Intervals if you are a Mandolin student/player
Here it is:
All Intervals articles in the Mandolin Theory series
Mandolin Theory – Inverting Intervals – Basic knowledge you must learn
Overview In music theory, the word inversion has several meanings. There are inverted chords, inverted melodies, inverted intervals, and [...]
Mandolin Theory – Writing Intervals – See how to avoid the common mistakes
In diatonic set theory a specific interval is the clockwise distance between pitch classes on the chromatic circle (interval class), [...]
Mandolin Theory – Specific Intervals
In diatonic set theory a specific interval is the clockwise distance between pitch classes on the chromatic circle (interval class), [...]
