NotePlayMusicGrade 2: Intervals Practice
Identify the number of an interval above the tonic. Count the lower note as one when naming the interval, based on the ABRSM Grade 2 syllabus.
Name an interval above the tonic by counting letters
An interval number counts letter names inclusively, beginning with the lower note as one. In either clef, D up to G spans D–E–F–G, so it is a 4th. The position of a note on a staff is meaningless until the clef has been read.
A second is the next letter name; an octave reaches the next note of the same letter after eight positions. Accidentals may affect the interval quality, but these questions ask only for its number.
How to work it out
- Use the clef to name the tonic and upper note, even if one sits on a ledger line.
- Count successive letter names from the tonic to the upper note, including both endpoints.
Worked example
From F up to E in the next octave, what is the interval number?
Count F (1), G (2), A (3), B (4), C (5), D (6), E (7). The answer is a 7th.
Watch for this mistake
Counting only the gaps between notes gives a number one too small. Include the tonic in the count.
Learning objectives
- Name the interval above the tonic.
- Count the lower note as one when naming an interval.
- Recognize intervals in both treble and bass clef.
Worksheet
Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Select the correct number of this interval.
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Answer Key
- 4th — Counting from the lower note to the upper note inclusively spans four letter names, so it is a 4th.
- 7th — From the lower note to the upper note inclusively spans seven letter names, so it is a 7th.
- 5th — From the lower note to the upper note inclusively spans five letter names, so it is a 5th.
- 5th — From the lower note to the upper note inclusively spans five letter names, so it is a 5th.
- 7th — From the lower note to the upper note inclusively spans seven letter names, so it is a 7th.
- 2nd — The two notes are on adjacent letter names, so it is a 2nd.
- 2nd — The two notes are on adjacent letter names, so it is a 2nd.
- 8th/8ve — The notes share the same letter name an octave apart, so it is an 8th/8ve.
- 3rd — From the lower note to the upper note inclusively spans three letter names, so it is a 3rd.
- 6th — From the lower note to the upper note inclusively spans six letter names, so it is a 6th.