Theory And Composition Group

[Daevid]

So the intervals are the notes in between :?

V confussed...

[frankus]

intervals are the space between notes... intervals are very distinctive sounds and worth learning before putting them into rows and calling them scales.

[Daevid]

So that would be an A# on the Major if it is between A and B?

[clarky]

intervals are simply a collection of names that describe the distance between two notes

a bit like saying
10cm.. let's call that Dave
1m.. let's call that John..

so.. in simplistic terms..
imagine the distance of 2 frets has a name
a major 2nd

and there are a collection of interval names that descibe distances between notes from 1 semi-tone right up to the octave..

all chords, scales, modes, etc can and are described as collections of intervals..

learning music theory without understanding intervals is like learning to spell without knowing the alphabet

[frankus]

all chords, scales, modes, etc can and are described as collections of intervals..

learning music theory without understanding intervals is like learning to spell without knowing the alphabet

totally. Chords and scales are the same collection of intervals.

It means the interval between A and C is a minor 3rd, the interval between A and C# is a major third.. the interval between C and E is a major third and the interval between A and D is a fourth.

[Daevid]

Good, got that. So you should study the intervals and how they relate to the scale which gives you an idea as to how the scale is made up...

[frankus]

I'd say avoid scales for a bit and focus on intervals... or at least the main ones 2nd, min 3rd, maj 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, flat 7th, 7th..

[Daevid]

So just play the intervals for now, then learn scales later... i think i understand the logic with that

[frankus]

I dunno if I'm the person to be giving advice here, but I don't see it as an "either or" thing.. intervals are scales and chords and melodies.. I'd say use them as a filter to everything you currently do (for a while) look at the chords and figure out the intevals, look at the scales and do the same... look at a solo and look at it as intervals.

[imported_adrianclark]

To add to what Frankus just said, I'd recommend combining that with a study of the guitar's fretboard layout. For instance, take the simple minor pentatonic shape at the 5th fret (the A blues shape) and look at each note in turn.

For example, the note under your index finger on the B string, 5th fret... it's an E. It's the fourth note of the scale, but in theory terms, it's the 5th. It's seven semitones above the root (A) and five semitones below the next root. If you move down an octave, you'll be on the A string, 7th fret. The next note in the scale is G, a minor third (3 frets) up on the B string. You can get to the next note below (D) by sliding 2 frets (a whole tone or major 2nd) down the B string, or you can go to the G string, 7th fret...

That's all pretty rambling stuff, but if you can get that sort of seamless mixture of theory, parrot-fashion memory and guitar layout visualisation going round in your head, you'll be a much better improviser.


adrian