Today's topic: "What is a perfect fifth?" In this video you will learn how to construct and identify a perfect fifth interval in 30 seconds. Including some examples and common mistakes.
An interval is the distance between two notes.
To identify an interval you must:
- 1 (number) - count the amount of naturals
- 2 (quality) - count the semitone steps
In music theory, a fifth (perfect, diminished or augmented) is the interval between a natural and the fifth one above it. For example, the interval between tones C and G is a fifth, but the interval between B and F is as well.
Additionally, a perfect fifth consists of 7 semitones and is abbreviated with P5.
Common mistakes are often made when the notes of an interval use different naturals, but musically sound the same. An example of this would be a B to a G flat. Or F to B sharp. Which are both different intervals, but sound like a perfect fifth.
This may sound a little confusing at first, and it probably is. But when advancing in music theory it is an essential skill to understand. With it, you will be able to create chords, scales and progressions.
So, to correctly construct or identify a perfect fifth make sure that you count five naturals. And there are seven semitones between the notes.
That's it, you can now use the perfect fifth!
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