Intervals
It is important to be able to play all intervals of an octave on an instrument, starting with minor 3rd’s and working through Major 7th’s. These intervals are found in all types of music and playing. Identifying and exploring them as part of practice allows one to hear them better in a variety of other contexts, as well as to further development technique. Intervals are the building blocks for melodic and thematic development in jazz improvising.
Download or Print Module 1 – PDF #3 Intervals
- Practice each of these intervals slowly at first with a metronome (quarter note = 92 or less).
- Start with example 1 from Module 1 – PDF#3 (minor thirds spaced in half steps) and work your way through some of the variations later in the PDF.
- One good practice idea is to work on one interval per week. That way it really gets “into your fingers” and one can learn to identify it aurally.
- After practicing the various intervals in half-steps (example 1), try changing the spacing between the intervals (whole steps, minor 3rd’s, etc.…).
Audio Examples
Minor 3rds in half steps
Minor 3rds starting with upper note
Minor 3rds up one down the next
Major 7ths up in half steps
Minor 3rds starting with upper note