Another Grade 5 Theory Question! Intervals Options

[rose08]

In the Gd 5 theory workbook, intervals section, I see they are labelling intervals such as 6ths "augmented"
I've only come accross using augmented to describe 4th/11th intervals.
Why use augmented for a 6th? Is an augmented 6th a minor 7th?!

confused!

Any help appreciated :-)

[sbhoa]

I do something similar to David but don't count semitones as I feel this creates a list to be learned and so is potentially open to error.
After counting the number of the interval my next stage would be to take the major scale as a starting point every time.
Take the lower note (regardless of which way round they appear in the music for a melodic interval) as the tonic. If the upper note is in that major scale then the interval in major (or perfect for 4th, 5th and octave).
If it's not then how many semitones out is it?

A semitone bigger than major or perfect is augmented
A semitone smaller than major is minor
A semitone smaller than minor or perfect is diminished.

Another forum member also suggested using your hands to help you to 'see' smaller and larger.
Move your hands (acting as the 2 notes) up or down in semitone steps so that you can see whether the interval becomes bigger or smaller. (hope that's reasonably clear).

[rose08]

Thanks both of you, that's really helpful and makes total sense!

Just so I'm clear then, what we label the interval is entirely dependent on how the note is labelled yes?
So while F to Eb is a minor 7th, F to D# is an augmented 6th

That makes sense, i love this forum!
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[PianoDoodler]

After counting the number of the interval my next stage would be to take the major scale as a starting point every time.
Take the lower note (regardless of which way round they appear in the music for a melodic interval) as the tonic. If the upper note is in that major scale then the interval in major (or perfect for 4th, 5th and octave).
If it's not then how many semitones out is it?

A semitone bigger than major or perfect is augmented
A semitone smaller than major is minor
A semitone smaller than minor or perfect is diminished.

Another forum member also suggested using your hands to help you to 'see' smaller and larger.
Move your hands (acting as the 2 notes) up or down in semitone steps so that you can see whether the interval becomes bigger or smaller. (hope that's reasonably clear).

Standard, simple, effective advice. Learn, mark and inwardly digest. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[eldatom]

I do something similar to David but don't count semitones as I feel this creates a list to be learned and so is potentially open to error.
After counting the number of the interval my next stage would be to take the major scale as a starting point every time.
Take the lower note (regardless of which way round they appear in the music for a melodic interval) as the tonic. If the upper note is in that major scale then the interval in major (or perfect for 4th, 5th and octave).
If it's not then how many semitones out is it?

A semitone bigger than major or perfect is augmented
A semitone smaller than major is minor
A semitone smaller than minor or perfect is diminished.

Thats how my teacher taught me, I always write the notes out and then I can see if it has been made bigger or smaller. I think this sort of thing at first you find confusing and then it just clicks and you wonder why you struggled. I love doing them now.

ET

[sbhoa]

Just so I'm clear then, what we label the interval is entirely dependent on how the note is labelled yes?
So while F to Eb is a minor 7th, F to D# is an augmented 6th

That's right.

And harmonically Eb and D# in a given situation will have a different function but this is a bit above grade 5.
I explain enharmonic differences to my beginner students by telling them it depends which job the note is doing. Rather like people can be known by different names or titles according to their function.