NotePlayMusicIdentifying Intervals Practice
Count the numbered interval between two written notes in treble and bass clef, using C major.
Worksheet
Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
Answer: ______________________
Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
Answer: ______________________
Answer Key
- 3rd — C up to E spans three letter names: C, D, E. That makes it a 3rd.
- 8th — C up to the next C spans eight scale degrees, so it is an 8th.
- 4th — C up to F spans four letter names: C, D, E, F. That makes it a 4th.
- 7th — C up to B spans seven letter names: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. That makes it a 7th.
- 5th — C up to G spans five letter names: C, D, E, F, G. That makes it a 5th.
1. Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
💡 Start with the lower note as one, then count each adjacent line and space up to and including the upper note.
2. Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
💡 Count the lower note as one and continue through each line and space until you reach the higher note, even when their letter names match.
3. Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
💡 Count the lower note as one, then include every line and space through the upper note.
4. Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
💡 Begin on the lower note as one and count the staff positions upward, including the space above the top line.
5. Select the correct number of this interval. The key is C major.
💡 Count each line and space from the lower note to the upper note, including both endpoints.
What this practice covers
- Count the interval number between two notes in C major.
Need a reminder? Count an interval inclusively by letter names
An interval number measures how many letter-name positions the two notes span. Start with the lower note as one, then count up through each letter to the upper note. You do not need to count semitones to answer these interval-number questions.
Two adjacent letter names make a 2nd; C to E spans C, D, E and is a 3rd. Two notes with the same letter in neighbouring octaves make an 8th, or octave.
How to work it out
- Read the lower and upper note names from the notation, then count the lower note as position one.
- Continue through the musical alphabet until you reach the upper note; the final count is the interval number.
Worked example
What number is the interval from D up to A?
Count D (1), E (2), F (3), G (4), A (5). The interval is a 5th.
Watch for this mistake
A sharp or flat can change the quality of an interval, but it does not change its letter-name number.