No matter what instrument you play, ear training is of utmost importance. Learning to recognize the sound of intervals is a skill that can elevate your musicality to the next level. However, mastering this skill can be challenging! In this article, we’ll introduce the best way to begin your interval studies.
The Song Method
In music, an interval refers to the distance between two notes. The most common way to learn to recognize intervals is by associating each with a familiar melody that uses that specific interval. We’ll provide a few examples of songs that use each interval, but feel free to substitute with pieces you’re more familiar with! Intervals that go from low to high are referred to as ascending, while those going from high to low are called descending.
To practice intervals, you can ask a friend to help or download an ear training app. Check out this article to see some of the best options available!
Remember to practice interval training slowly and in short bursts. The ear fatigues quickly, so consistency is key!
Unison
Everybody’s favorite interval! A unison simply means the same note played twice. Many melodies contain this interval, but the easiest way to recognize it is by identifying the same pitch twice.
Minor Second
Ascending
Jaws Theme (John Williams)
White Christmas (Bing Crosby)
Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
Descending
Für Elise (Ludwig van Beethoven)
Joy to the World (Traditional)
Jurassic Park Theme (John Williams)
Major Second
Ascending
Happy Birthday (Traditional)
Silent Night (Traditional)
Frère Jacques (Traditional)
Descending
Mary Had a Little Lamb (Traditional)
Three Blind Mice (Traditional)
Yesterday (The Beatles)
Minor Third
Ascending
O Canada (Canadian National Anthem)
Iron Man (Black Sabbath)
Greensleeves (Traditional)
Descending
Hey Jude (The Beatles)
Frosty the Snowman (Gene Autry)
The Star-Spangled Banner (U.S. National Anthem)
Major Third
Ascending
When the Saints Go Marching In (Traditional)
Kumbaya (Traditional)
Michael Row the Boat Ashore (Traditional)
Descending
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Traditional)
Summertime (Ella Fitzgerald)
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (first movement)
Perfect Fourth
Ascending
Here Comes the Bride (Richard Wagner)
Amazing Grace (Traditional)
Super Mario Theme (Koji Kondo)
Descending
Under Pressure (Queen & David Bowie)
I’ve Been Working on the Railroad (Traditional)
O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
Tritone
Ascending
The Simpsons Theme (Danny Elfman)
Maria from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein)
Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath)
Descending
YYZ (Rush)
Blue Seven (Sonny Rollins)
The Munsters Theme (Jack Marshall)
Perfect Fifth
Ascending
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (Traditional)
Star Wars Theme (John Williams)
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley)
Descending
Flintstones Theme (Hoyt Curtin)
Don’t You (Forget About Me) (Simple Minds)
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) (Duke Ellington)
Minor Sixth
Ascending
The Entertainer (Scott Joplin)
We Are Young (Fun)
Love Story Theme (Andy Williams)
Descending
100 Years (Five for Fighting)
Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)
Where Do I Begin (Love Story Theme) (Andy Williams)
Major Sixth
Ascending
My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean (Traditional)
My Way (Frank Sinatra)
NBC Chimes (NBC)
Descending
Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson)
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen (Louis Armstrong)
Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)
Minor Seventh
Ascending
Somewhere from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein)
Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Gene Wilder)
Star Trek Theme (Alexander Courage)
Descending
Watermelon Man (Herbie Hancock)
Alfie (Dionne Warwick)
White Christmas (“And may all your Christmases be white”) (Bing Crosby)
Major Seventh
Ascending
Take On Me (A-ha)
Don’t Know Why (Norah Jones)
Bali Ha’i from South Pacific (Rodgers and Hammerstein)
Descending
I Love You (Cole Porter)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (“So have yourself a merry little Christmas now”) (Judy Garland)
Color My World (Chicago)
Perfect Octave
Ascending
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland)
Singin’ in the Rain (Gene Kelly)
Let It Snow! (Vaughn Monroe)
Descending
Willow Weep for Me (Billie Holiday)
The Christmas Song (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”) (Nat King Cole)
There’s No Business Like Show Business (Ethel Merman)
Closing Notes
Good luck as you start learning your intervals! If you’re looking to accelerate your ear training and overall musical skills, we’re here to help. Our school is home to some of Toronto’s finest music teachers, and we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your musical goals. Contact us today to take the next step in your musical journey!
