An interval measures the distance from one note to another. Count semitones, play the distance on one string, then listen before moving it across strings.
Count from the root
Choose a starting note and call it your root for the exercise. On one string, one fret is one semitone and two frets are a whole tone. The starting fret is zero: moving from fret 2 to fret 5 is three semitones, not four.
A small interval reference
- 0 semitones: unison, the same pitch.
- 1: minor second. 2: major second.
- 3: minor third. 4: major third.
- 5: perfect fourth. 6: tritone.
- 7: perfect fifth.
- 8: minor sixth. 9: major sixth.
- 10: minor seventh. 11: major seventh.
- 12: octave, the same note name at the next higher pitch level.
Hear the difference between major and minor
On the A string in standard tuning, play open A and then C at fret 3. That is a minor third. Return to open A and play C# at fret 4: a major third. Play the notes separately first so you can hear the distance clearly. Compare the sounds without assuming that every minor sound must feel sad.
Use intervals to understand a chord
A minor triad is A–C–E: root, minor third and perfect fifth. A major triad is A–C#–E. Changing the third changes the chord quality while the root and fifth stay the same. In a guitar chord, notes can be repeated or put in a different order.
Find a scale from its distances
From A, the minor pentatonic intervals are 0, 3, 5, 7 and 10 semitones: A, C, D, E and G. Fret 12 gives the next A. Try that sequence on the A string, then compare it with the notes on the full scale chart.
A five-minute listening drill
- Play a root and one target note slowly. Name the interval after you play it.
- Compare a minor third with a major third from the same root.
- Move both notes up two frets on the same string. The root changes but the interval stays the same.
- Finish by finding the notes of one Am shape and identifying A, C and E.