Stage Two of the Basic Building Blocks of Music – Intervals
An interval is the space between two notes. When you play a C note and then a C# note (one fret higher), this has an interval name of ‘minor 2 nd’ . There are many different intervals and positions you’ll play on guitar. It helps to know intervals, because they’re a great way to understand the fingerboard and add interest to your soloing ideas. Every time you play lead on the guitar or practice scales you would be playing various intervals, so you’re already half way there!
The following diagrams illustrate all the intervals you can play on guitar. Try playing each one and listen to the sound you create. Memorizing the sound of intervals is a brilliant ear training exercise. Knowing intervals provides your music transcription skills with a kickstart, as you’ll start to hear the pitch differences and be able to name them.
Pro Guitar Tip
Octaves are great for melodic ideas or solos. Lots of rock players use them for rhythm parts, so take a listen to the Foo Fighters or the Smashing Pumpkins for some examples. Jimi Hendrix used octaves regularly to create really melodic phrases.
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