There are 8 degrees or steps in the major scale. The 1st note is the root and is the same letter name as the scale. Each letter name up the scale has both a letter name and a name explaining how distant it is from the root.
Root = C in the C scale:
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Explanation of Intervals |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| C | D | E | F | G | A | B | C |
Two notes played together or after each other are called an interval. If they are played together, they are called a harmonic interval. If they are played one after the other, they are called a melodic interval. The lowest note of the interval is the general name of the interval.
An interval is called by the number it is distant from the root. C-D is a 2nd, C-E is a 3rd, C-F is a 4th, etc
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Intervals in C Major |
These intervals have specific names. The 1st, 4th, 5th, and 8th are called perfect. The 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees are called major.
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Specific Interval Names in C Major |
