Relative pitch starts with a comparison
You do not need perfect pitch to recognize intervals. Instead of naming a note in isolation, compare the second pitch with the first. Ask whether it feels close or far away, then listen for the particular character of that distance.
A minor third spans three semitones; a major third spans four. A perfect fourth spans five and a perfect fifth seven. Foundation practice focuses on these four intervals so you have a smaller set to compare.
Ascending, descending, and harmonic intervals
An ascending interval moves from the lower pitch to the higher one. A descending interval reverses that order. A harmonic interval plays both notes at the same time, which helps connect melody listening with harmony.
Open Practice settings to select the playback direction or Together. The exercise varies the root pitch, encouraging you to recognize the relationship instead of memorizing one pair of notes.
A short routine for ear training
- Listen once without guessing. Hum the first pitch, then try to follow the second pitch.
- Replay the pair and compare it with the available answers. Begin with the four Foundation intervals.
- Read the semitone distance in the feedback. Play the example on the piano if the distinction is still unclear.
- Move to Challenge for distances from one semitone through an octave. Try the same interval in descending and harmonic playback as well.
Keep listening practice comfortable
Use a comfortable volume and a quiet setting. Headphones can help you hear details, but are not required. Start without a timer so you can listen more than once.
The interval exercise unlocks answer choices after you press play. Replays do not cost points. Your progress page records accuracy across your completed answers, so you can return to this skill and see how practice changes your results.
Common intervals measured upward from C
| Interval | Semitones | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Minor 2nd | 1 | C → D♭ |
| Major 2nd | 2 | C → D |
| Minor 3rd | 3 | C → E♭ |
| Major 3rd | 4 | C → E |
| Perfect 4th | 5 | C → F |
| Tritone | 6 | C → F♯ |
| Perfect 5th | 7 | C → G |
| Minor 6th | 8 | C → A♭ |
| Major 6th | 9 | C → A |
| Minor 7th | 10 | C → B♭ |
| Major 7th | 11 | C → B |
| Octave | 12 | C → C one octave higher |
Common questions
Is interval training the same as perfect pitch?
No. Interval training develops relative pitch: recognizing how two notes relate. Perfect pitch is the ability to identify pitches without a reference.
Can I replay an interval before answering?
Yes. Listen as many times as you need. There is no replay penalty.
Which intervals are included?
Foundation includes minor thirds, major thirds, perfect fourths, and perfect fifths. Challenge covers all semitone distances from a minor second to an octave.
Make it a little daily habit.
Put the guide into practice with ten questions and feedback after every answer.
Start interval ear training