Intervals and Triads

Sorry it has been a while since I posted - I wasn't sure if anyone was actually checking the blog! Both classes have spent time learning about intervals and triads in music. These are the basic "building blocks" of music theory, so I hope you understand them before we move forward.

There is always some confusion about how intervals and triads become "smaller" or "larger". The notes of an interval or a triad must always stay the same. Accidentals (double flats, flats, naturals, sharps, and double sharps) are used to alter the notes to make the interval or triad smaller or larger. Perhaps this chart will help:

diminished <---> minor <---> Major <---> Augmented

OR

diminished <---> Perfect <---> Augmented

When moving LEFT to RIGHT, you are adding half steps to the interval or triad, making the interval or triad LARGER

When moving RIGHT to LEFT, you are subtracting half steps from the interval or triad, making the interval or triad SMALLER