Basics

Intervals: the distance between notes

How we measure the space from one note to another.

3 min read

An interval is simply the distance between two notes. We count it by stepping through the letter names, starting from the lower note as number one.

Counting from C

From C, count up the white keys. C to D is a 2nd (two letters). C to E is a 3rd. C to F is a 4th, C to G is a 5th — and all the way back to the next C is an octave (eight letters).

Loading piano sounds…Show note names

C up to D — a 2nd, the smallest step between white keys.

Loading piano sounds…Show note names

C up to E — a 3rd. Notice the gap is a little wider.

Loading piano sounds…Show note names

C up to G — a 5th, a strong, open sound.

Loading piano sounds…Show note names

C up to the next C — an octave. The two notes share the same name.

Tip: Train your ears as well as your eyes: play two notes and try to name the gap before you count it. The Practice page has an ear-training drill for exactly this.

Try the ear-training drill →