Perfect intervals by ear
Recognise the octave, the fifth and the fourth by their open, stable sound.
An open sound
The octave, fifth and fourth are perfect intervals. Played together, their notes almost merge into one: the sound is open and clear, neither happy nor sad.
- The octave is the same note, only higher: the two notes sound like one.
- The fifth is wide and steady, like the open strings of a violin.
- The fourth is clear too, but seems to call somewhere: many anthems and fanfares begin with it.
An octave: C4 and C5 one after the other, then together
A fifth: C4 and G4
A fourth: C4 and F4
Practice: Octave or fifth?
Practice: Fourth or fifth?
An interval from a song
The easiest way to recognise an interval is by the start of a tune you know. Sing it to yourself and compare it with what you heard.
- Octave up: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", its first two notes.
- Fifth up: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", from its second note to its third.
- Fourth up: Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" ("Here Comes the Bride"), its first two notes.
If you don't know these tunes, find your own: any song that starts with the interval works better than someone else's.