Lesson-22 : Intervals Between Any Two Notes

Hi All,

( For those who pick-up fast and want to proceed further, Just for the continuity of the previous topic, the following discussion is given.. Pure mathematical analysis. But for those who find it difficult to follow, just read the following and forget it….! We can pick these up later ! )

In previous discussions, we named the intervals of each of the seven notes with the Tonic.

It is basically hinting about the number of notes above the reference note as well as adding the prefix of Major, Minor etc…

In the case of Major Scale, All the intervals w.r.t. Tonic are Major except the 4th and 5th which are called the Perfect.

Also we had the hint about the naming of other intervals, like Minor, Diminished and Augmented intervals in relation to the Major & Perfect intervals.

Using the same technique, we can find the intervals between any notes of Major scale (other than w.r.t. Tonic as reference note…) or for that matter any note to any note whether it is a major scale or otherwise.

I will provide you a reference list which will help in naming the prefix of intervals !

Earlier in our numbering convention, we used 1 to 13 for each of the white and black keys..

Let me re-state that table here :



If you want the interval between particular notes,

Deduct the serial numbers of concerned notes as per above and you get how many Semitones they are separated….!

Then from following table you can get the prefix to be added

and the numbering the interval is easy one which is just counting how many notes above the reference point..!





( This is one general table just to guide. Bracketed names are just theoretical possibilities and may not be relevant in many cases also as per WCM norms.

But in case of Carnatic reference they may crop up that’s my guess !

Please remember the numbering shall be based on the distance of the notes alphabetically…!


But best method to find the interval is

• to assume the first note in question as the Tonic of the corresponding Major Scale
• and automatically recall the Major scale intervals
• and from there the 2nd note in question is compared whether it is equal or above or below the referenced Major Scale interval etc
• and then name of that prefix is found out…

That we will discuss later….. )

From the above, if you deeply analyse all sort of possible intervals between any two notes of Major Scale, (remember now we are talking about intervals other than w.r.t tonic also ….! ie intervals between any two notes...) , it is quite possible it may have some minor intervals also….

(example : it is Minor 2nd , between E&F or B&C of the C-Major Scale. etc. etc..) ..

So a Major Scale has some Minor intervals also….!

Similarly, later on we will learn a Minor scale which will have some Major intervals also…!

So don’t get confused & be careful between the various terms like a Major or Minor intervals and the Major or Minor Scale etc…

( Same is the case with the Major and Minor Chords classifications, which we will discuss later….) ….

All are different….!

How confused are you today… ???

Best wishes for your stability …. !

Those who have not read and are fortunately still stable, w.r.t our WCM-Colony Analogy, let us see further Houses in the floors above of our C-Major Scale ….!

In our next discussion…!