Intervals I: Hearing Distance
An interval is the distance between two notes, measured in semitones and named 2nd through octave — use reference songs to train your ear from 2nds to octaves.
The distance between two notes is called an "interval". Different distances feel completely different — start by seeing what a "perfect fifth" looks like on the keyboard, and play the two orange keys.
Measuring in semitones
Intervals are measured in semitones and named by how many letter names they span: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th... all the way to the octave. C up to G is 7 semitones — a "perfect fifth". C up to the next C is 12 semitones — an "octave".
The reference-song trick
The easiest way to recognize an interval is to hang it on a song you know: a perfect fifth is the jump in the opening of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" (twin-kle twin-kle); an octave is the "Some-where" leap that opens "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". When you hear an interval, hum those openings in your head first.
Start the drill
Each round plays two notes, low then high — pick the interval you hear. Score 75% or better to pass.