About Descending Intervals
Descending intervals measure the distance going down from a starting note. While ascending intervals feel more intuitive to many musicians, descending intervals are equally important—they appear constantly in melodies, bass lines, and harmonic analysis. This tool helps you quickly identify the correct note name for any interval below a given pitch.
The Inversion Shortcut
Every descending interval is the inversion of an ascending one. A descending major third is the same as an ascending minor sixth (they add up to an octave). Some musicians use this: to find a major third below C, think "what note has C a minor sixth above it?" Answer: Ab. However, aim to recognize descending intervals directly for speed.
How to Practice
If you've already practiced ascending intervals, test yourself on descending ones to ensure you're not just relying on the inversion trick. Focus on maintaining correct enharmonic spelling—a minor third below E is C#, not Db. Use challenge mode to build speed and confidence.
Common Challenges
Students often struggle more with descending intervals because they're less commonly drilled. Pay special attention to intervals that cross natural half-step boundaries (E-F and B-C), as these affect the accidentals you'll need.