Intervals - part 1

Today we're going to work a little with intervals. 

Intervals are just 2 notes played at the same time. They are great because they allow you to start making more complex sounds. They also allow you to start making chords, which we will be getting into later this week.

The easiest intervals are made by using a scale and then taking the first note of the scale PLUS one other note from the scale.

So, let's start with our old friend, C Major. What are the notes of C Major again?

C - D- E - F - G - A - B - C

What is the first note of the scale?

Right, C. 

So, if I play C and D together, that is called a 2nd.

What do you think it is called if I play C and E?

That's right - C and E makes a third. It's actually a Major third, but don't worry about it just yet. just listen to how it sounds.

OK, now let's play a fourth.

How about a fifth? A sixth? A seventh?

Which ones sounded the best to you?

OK, so your assignment for today is simple:

1. Pick an instrument you are going to use to play intervals - I suggest a piano, guitar or some kind of poly synth. 
2. Using the drums that you laid down on Friday and today, start to make a Verse section using at least one intervals. I personally suggest using a third, fourth or fifth, but whatever sounds good to you. 
3. Try playing different rhythms along with your drums. You can either hold the keys down, or play them quickly - whatever sounds good to you.
   
4. Now create another melodic instrument (NN19, Subtractor, NNXT, Malstrom, etc.) to go over the interval and work on a melody to go over it. Remember that you automatically already know at least 2 notes that will work with it (the two that make up the interval!)
5. Save this to your folder as (your name)_intervals1