Octaves are divided into 12 semitones (half-steps), giving 12 distinct within an octave. The semitone (half-step) is the smallest possible interval between two notes in Western music. It is represented by a single fret on a guitar neck, or one step on a piano keyboard.
Goals
Learn to assess the distance between two notes and hear the individual notes.
Tips for success
To better perceive the different notes of a chord, it is helpful to focus on one note at a time. By deconstructing the notes presented in this exercise, try to visualize the position of each note in a musical scale.
Musical examples
Two-voice motif No.1 -
Piano
Meludia
From a reference note, this example illustrates the gradual descending of a note towards the lower range.
Two-voice motif No.2 -
Piano
Meludia
Starting from a reference note, this excerpt illustrates the gradual departure of a note that ascends higher.
Two-voice motif No.3 -
Piano
Meludia
This example features two notes starting from the extreme high and low range, coming closer together to converge on a central C.
Two-voice motif No.4 -
Piano
Meludia
This excerpt features two notes starting from a central C and gradually reaching the extreme high and low registers.
