Perfect Fourth Ear Training
What is a perfect fourth?
A perfect fourth (P4) spans five half-steps. For example, from C up to F is a perfect fourth. It is the inversion of the perfect fifth — if you flip a P5 upside down, you get a P4.
The perfect fourth has a frequency ratio of 4:3, making it very consonant and pleasing to the ear.
What does a perfect fourth sound like?
The perfect fourth has a somewhat "floating" or "suspended" quality. It feels like it wants to resolve somewhere. The most famous song reference is "Here Comes the Bride" (Wagner's Bridal Chorus) — the first leap is an ascending perfect fourth.
Another example: "Amazing Grace" begins with a perfect fourth jump on the word "A-mazing."
Perfect fourth vs perfect fifth
These two intervals are easily confused because they are inversions of each other. Here's how to tell them apart:
- Perfect Fourth: Sounds more "hollow" and slightly unresolved. It creates tension that wants to move.
- Perfect Fifth: Sounds more "open" and stable. It feels grounded and complete.
- Practice both together to train your ear to notice the subtle difference in character.
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