Harmonic Intervals Ear Training
When two notes are played at exactly the same time, it creates a harmonic interval. This is much harder than melodic (sequential) intervals, as you must identify the interval by its texture and dissonance.
Melodic vs Harmonic
In a melodic interval, you can hear the starting note, hear the ending note, and measure the distance. In a harmonic interval, the sounds blend together into a single "texture." You must learn to recognize the feeling of that texture.
Consonance and Dissonance
Harmonic intervals are identified by how much they clash:
- Highly Dissonant: Minor 2nd, Major 7th, Tritone. They sound tense and uncomfortable.
- Imperfect Consonance: Major/Minor 3rds and 6ths. They sound sweet and pleasant.
- Perfect Consonance: Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Octave. They sound hollow, pure, and completely stable.
Practice tips
Set BananaTone's direction to "Harmonic". If you get stuck, try to sing the bottom note, then sing the top note, effectively breaking the harmonic interval back into a melodic one in your head.
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