IDENTIFYING INTERVALS BY EAR
Improve your ability to recognise intervals by their distinctive sound with this simple
interval ear trainer. Try to identify each interval as you hear it. Start with the default '
diatonic' option, with notes limited to the
C major scale. If you can get 10 or more correct in a row, then try the more advanced '
chromatic' option, which uses all notes of the
chromatic scale.
Melodic interval setting
With this option selected, the two notes of the interval are played melodically, i.e., the notes are heard one by one. First C then a higher note. Some people find it helpful to recognise melodic intervals by associating them with the opening two notes of well-known tunes. For example,
Somewhere over the Rainbow starts with the leap of an octave and
My Bonnie lies over the Ocean is a major sixth. Use any songs you like, provided they are familiar enough that you could recognise them by hearing just the first two notes.
Harmonic interval setting
With this option selected, both notes are played harmonically, i.e., both notes are heard at the same time. These intervals are more easily recognised by their distinct harmonic effect. Listen out for each intervals level of
consonance and
dissonance too. (see the relevant section above for more on this.)