Bigger leaps

Four more distances complete your interval toolkit:

PERFECT 4th = 5 semitones (C→F) — the sus4 note. MAJOR 6th = 9 semitones (C→A) — sweet and open.

MINOR 7th = 10 semitones (C→B♭) and MAJOR 7th = 11 semitones (C→B) — you will build seventh chords from these next. The octave itself is 12.

Shortcut for sevenths: count DOWN from the octave instead of up from the root. Minor 7th = octave minus a whole tone; major 7th = octave minus a semitone.

P4 = 5 · M6 = 9 · m7 = 10 · M7 = 11

From C: F, A, B♭ and B mark the four new intervals.

Practise this in the trainer — it opens with this lesson the first time the concept comes up.