Intervals II: Consonance & Tension
Played together, intervals have color: 3rds, 6ths and perfect 5ths blend smoothly while 2nds, 7ths and the tritone create tension — train your ear to tell them apart.
When two notes sound at the same time, the interval takes on a "color": some blend and settle, some rub against each other. Try the two pairs below — the orange C–E is a major third, bright; the blue A–C is a minor third, a little softer.
Consonance and tension
Thirds, sixths and perfect fifths sound blended and stable — we call them "consonant". Seconds, sevenths and the "tritone" (6 semitones) grind against each other, full of tension. Tension is not a mistake: music moves forward by traveling from tension to release and back again.
Start the drill
This time both notes sound at once (a "harmonic" interval). Close your eyes and listen: does it blend, or does it fight? The tritone is the spikiest of the bunch — learn its flavor first. Score 75% or better to pass.