Intervals on Guitar

Many Guitar Players are scared to learn music theory. They say “Ah, I play by ear, so I don’t need it.” I get it. Playing by ear is awesome and everyone should do it. Yes, everyone. But there are many benefits to learning music theory. Musicians often think music theory is complicated. But the basics are easier than people think.

For example, intervals are a simple concept. Teachers overcomplicate them with fancy words. But a simple definition helps clear up confusion. An interval measures the distance between two notes. C and E are 4 frets apart (Not counting the first fret). Intervals give that distance a name. Intervals are the first building block of theory, and they help you get better at playing by ear. There are two things we need to cover to master intervals. 

1. The Intervals in One octave 

2. Interval Ear Training

The Intervals in One Octave 

There are three ways intervals can be played. You can play it up. For example, playing C then F where F is higher than C is an ascending interval. Playing F then C where C is lower than F is a descending interval. If you play them at the same time, it is a harmonic interval. The distances between the notes don’t change.

(Each picture will start on C using the 3rd fret of the A string.) 

The 1st interval is a Minor 2nd. This is 1 fret apart or 1 half-step.  

A Major 2nd is 2 frets apart or 2 half-steps. 

A Minor 3rd is 3 frets apart or 3 half-steps. If you haven’t figured out by now, 1 fret = 1 half step. 

A Major 3rd is 4 half-steps apart. How would you play a Major 3rd using more than one string? Can you find a Major 3rd above C on the D string? 

Perfect Fourth is 5 half-steps apart. There is no such thing as a minor 4th. When you learn about Major Scales, it will make more sense. 

A Tritone is 6 half-steps apart. This is the halfway point. If you were to start on C, go up 6 frets, then go up again. You would get another C note. 

A Perfect 5th is 7 half-steps apart. 

A Minor 6th is 8 half-steps apart. 

A Major 6th is 9 half-steps apart. Can you find a Major 6th up from C on the G string? 

A Minor 7th is 10 half-steps apart. 

A Major 7th is 11 half-steps apart. 

An octave is 12 half-steps apart. An octave is another C note. 

Fantastic. This is every interval within one octave. This example started on C. You can do this with any note though. You just have to remember the distances. Try to find every interval starting on G. Hint: A Perfect Fifth above G is D.  

Most of the time it is much easier to think about intervals within one octave. If we play a C on the 3rd fret of the A string, then we play an E on the 5th fret of the B string. The interval we played is technically a Major 10th interval. Intervals larger than an octave are not very useful in most cases. It’s more useful to call it a Major 3rd. We will be managing all intervals this way to get started. To do this requires a little work. You will have to eventually memorize the intervals in every key within one octave. It takes a lot of work. While we are getting started, you can play the interval in the octave closest to the starting note.                    

Interval Ear Training

Now that we know what the intervals are, it will actually help you play by ear better. Each interval has a unique sound. A Major 2nd will sound like a Major 2nd even if the notes aren’t the same. This is valuable and helps us learn songs by ear much faster.  

The best way to learn these intervals is to associate a song with them. There are hundreds of videos and articles that cover which song is best for each interval. This article will focus on how to practice them along with the theory. Here's how to do it.

1. Start learning ascending intervals first. This will give you a sense of what the intervals are doing.  

2. Practice Learning Perfect 4ths and Perfect 5ths.  

3. Master those then add Major 3rds.  

4. Then add the remaining Major intervals one at a time. 

5.  Once you are comfortable with the major intervals, add the minor intervals one at a time.  

6. Repeat this process for descending and harmonic intervals. 

(Tenuto is a great ear training app for learning intervals on your phone.)

Intervals offer so much for learning music theory. The fundamentals of music theory are built on intervals, but they can also help you learn to play by ear. The majority of music uses twelve intervals. Learning what these intervals sound like will help you play by ear.  

If you are looking for more tips on learning guitar, check out the Roxy Rockin’ Guitar books. They will help you learn guitar from where you are at. You don’t have to go through a complete beginner book, if you're way past it. Click the link to check them out, fill out the one question quiz to find the book that is right for you.