Hey Friend,
Now that we’ve looked at the intervals for the chromatic scale, let’s narrow the focus to the intervals of the major scale.
Tonic - we call this the root note most of the time; it’s the first note of the scale. In the key of C major, this note would be C.
Major Second - this is one whole step (tone) above the tonic. In the key of C major, this note would be D.
Major Third - two hole steps above the tonic. In the key of C major, this note would be E.
Perfect Fourth - five half-steps above the tonic. In the key of C major, this note would be F.
Perfect Fifth - seven half-steps above the tonic. In the key of C major, this note would be G.
Major Sixth - nine half-steps above the tonic. In the key of C major, this note would be A.
Major Seventh - eleven half-steps above the tonic. In the key of C major, this note would be B.
Perfect Octave - six whole steps above the tonic. In the key of C major, this note would be C.
Here’s where the magic begins to happen! When melodies are imagined, this is where they begin - with a scale.
A songwriter doesn’t sit down and play a scale as the main inspiration, though. We’re usually struck with a spark when we hear two or three notes, or play some little riff while practicing or goofing around.
You might start off trying to learn a part from another song and hear a short riff that catches your ear as something interesting to explore. I can’t tell you how often I’ve sat down with my guitar to learn or practice a song, only to be distracted by something I played as a mistake.
Next thing I know, I’m fleshing out a riff and chord progression from the random goof I made.
Let’s take some time to look at these intervals more in depth to see how they turned into a song. I’ve got examples of songs that came out of playing a particular interval.
For starters, the first interval we come to when leaving the tonic note is the Major Second interval.
In the key of C major, that is the shift from C to D. When we look at the scale pattern, we see it’s one whole step (tone).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (8)
C D E F G A B (C)
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W W H W W W H
I’ve linked to a PDF and MP3 that first has the major second interval demonstrated, then examples of songs using this major second interval. I think you’ll recognize all of them!
Spend a few minutes trying these out. I’ll catch you tomorrow.
Peace~
Dave
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