musical intervals

A musical interval is the distance between two notes, measured by how their pitches relate to each other. Think of it as the difference in height between two sounds—like stepping from one note to another on a ladder. Intervals are named based on their size: smaller intervals (like a half step or whole step) are close together, while larger ones span more notes (like an octave, which is eight notes). Intervals help define the sound and emotion of music, with some creating a sense of tension and others a sense of resolution. They are the building blocks of melodies and harmonies.