About Ascending Interval Ear Training
Ascending intervals are the building blocks of melody. When two notes are played from low to high, the distance between them creates a unique sonic character. Learning to identify these intervals by ear is essential for transcription, sight-singing, and musical dictation.
Who Is This For?
This exercise benefits musicians at all levels. Beginners can start by focusing on perfect intervals (unison, 4th, 5th, octave) before adding major and minor intervals. Advanced musicians can use this to maintain and sharpen their aural skills.
How to Practice
Associate each interval with a familiar song. For example: Minor 2nd sounds like "Jaws" theme, Major 2nd like "Happy Birthday," Perfect 4th like "Here Comes the Bride," Perfect 5th like "Star Wars." These reference songs help you instantly recognize intervals.
Interval Reference Songs (Ascending)
- m2: "Jaws" theme
- M2: "Happy Birthday"
- m3: "Greensleeves"
- M3: "Oh When the Saints"
- P4: "Here Comes the Bride"
- TT: "The Simpsons" theme
- P5: "Star Wars" theme
- m6: "The Entertainer"
- M6: "NBC" jingle
- m7: "Star Trek" theme
- M7: "Take On Me" (chorus)
- P8: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"