Karl Golden - MUSIC EDUCATION

Recognising intervals in music can be a challenging but rewarding skill. Here's a list of famous songs that can help you associate each interval with a memorable tune. Keep in mind that these associations are subjective, and different people might have different reference songs. Also, note that the quality (major, minor, perfect, etc.) of the intervals can vary depending on context.

Minor 2nd (m2):

• Song: "Jaws Theme" (2 notes played in a descending pattern)

Major 2nd (M2):

• Song: "Happy Birthday" (the first two notes)

Minor 3rd (m3):

• Song: "Greensleeves" (the first two notes)

Major 3rd (M3):

• Song: "When the Saints Go Marching In" (the first two notes)

Perfect 4th (P4):

• Song: "Here Comes the Bride" (the first two notes)

Augmented 4th/Diminished 5th (A4/d5):

• Song: "The Simpsons Theme" (between the first two notes)

Perfect 5th (P5):

• Song: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (the first two notes)

Minor 6th (m6):

• Song: "The Entertainer" (the first two notes)

Major 6th (M6):

• Song: "NBC Chimes" (the first two notes)

Minor 7th (m7):

• Song: "Somewhere" from West Side Story (the first two notes)

Major 7th (M7):

• Song: "Take On Me" by A-ha (the first two notes of the chorus)

Perfect Octave (P8):

• Song: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (the first two notes)

Feel free to use these examples as a starting point, and listen to them repeatedly to internalize the sound of each interval. As you become more familiar with these associations, you'll be better equipped to identify intervals in other songs and musical contexts. Remember, practice and repetition are key when developing your ear for intervals.

Here's why practicing ear training with intervals is important:

Melody Recognition: Ear training with intervals helps you recognize and identify melodies more accurately. This is especially important for guitar players who may need to play melodies by ear or improvise solos.

Chord Progression Recognition: Intervals play a crucial role in chord progressions. By training your ear to recognize intervals, you'll be better able to identify and play chord progressions, making it easier to play songs by ear.

Improvisation Skills: Guitarists often need to improvise during performances. A solid understanding of intervals allows you to improvise more effectively, as you can predict how different notes will sound against a given chord or progression.

Transcription Abilities: Ear training with intervals is invaluable for musicians who want to transcribe music. Whether you're transcribing a guitar solo or a piece of sheet music, being able to identify intervals helps you accurately translate what you hear into playable notes.

Enhanced Musical Communication: Musicians often communicate ideas by referencing intervals. For example, someone might say, "play a major third above the root." If you have a trained ear for intervals, you can easily understand and execute such instructions.

Tuning and Pitch Accuracy: Ear training improves your ability to discern pitch differences accurately. This is crucial for tuning your guitar by ear and for maintaining pitch accuracy when playing with others.

Musical Memory: Practicing intervals contributes to the development of your musical memory. You'll be better able to recall and reproduce melodies, solos, or chord progressions after hearing them.

Expressive Playing: Musicians with a well-trained ear can play with more expression. They can intuitively add nuances to their playing, such as bends, slides, and vibrato, based on their ability to hear and understand the musical context.

Remember that ear training is a gradual process, so be patient and persistent in your practice. As you become more adept at identifying intervals, you'll find that your overall musicality and ability to play by ear will improve significantly.