All About Intervals Guitar Lesson
All About Intervals
Intervals, Intervals, Intervals! Chris Liepe explains what they are, where they are found, and how to play them in this lesson.
Taught by Chris Liepe in Basic Electric Guitar with Chris seriesLength: 14:07Difficulty: 2.5 of 5
An interval is simply the distance between two notes. We have already talked about two intervals --whole steps and half steps. This lesson addresses the names and positions of other intervals within the major scale.As you look over the tablature for this lesson, you will see two different G major scales. The single string scale should look familiar. Once you can play both of these scales comfortably, you can use them to start playing and hearing intervals.
The Root
In order to define the distance between two notes, we need a reference note, or a starting note that the interval is based on. This is called the "root." In this lesson, our root will always be a "G," but we'll be getting away from that soon enough.
The Intervals
Looking at the tablature provided with this lesson, and playing the examples will help drive both the positioning and the sounds of the intervals home. Here are the names of the intervals covered in this lesson:
Major 2ndPlaying from the root, or G from either scale position to the 2nd degree of the scale will yield an interval of a Major 2nd. Playing from the G to the 3rd note of the scale, or B will give you a Major 3rd. Playing from a G to a C is a Perfect 4th.
Major 3rd
Perfect 4th
Perfect 5th
Major 6th
Major 7th
Octave
Lowering any of the "Major" intervals by one fret or a half step produces a minor interval (ex. minor 2nd, minor 3rd, minor 6th, minor 7th). When you lower the Perfect 5th, it becomes a diminished 5th. Lowering the 7th is sometimes called a dominant 7th. If you lower the Perfect, it actually just becomes a Major 3rd.
Melodic vs. Harmonic
When two notes are played separately, the relationship between the notes is referred to as a melodic interval. When two notes are played at the same time, it is called a harmonic interval.
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Electric Guitar with Chris
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsChris will guide you through the world of electric guitar in this series.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Your Electric Guitar
Chris Liepe talks about the absolute basics of the guitar, including tuning, the guitar parts, and proper technique.
Length: 23:21 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Playing Your First Chords
Chris Liepe introduces you to your very first 2 chords, E and A. Since this is your first chord lesson, Chris also introduces a backing track for you to slowly play along with. Practicing in this manner...
Length: 28:54 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
3 New Chords: Complete the CAGED Method
Here in lesson 3, Chris teaches the C, G, and D chords. Once you have mastered the chords taught in this lesson and the previous lesson, you will have learned the CAGED method of remembering open chord...
Length: 12:22 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
The Basics to Tablature, Chord Charts, and Musical Notation
Chris is back with his most information packed lesson to date. In this lesson, you will learn how to read tablature, chord charts and musical notation. All of these tools will drastically help you in your...
Length: 25:38 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Introduction to the Concept of Scales
Chris Liepe is back in lesson 5 with an introduction to scales. In this lesson, you will learn how to play up and down simple scale patterns.
Length: 21:07 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Beginner Electric with Chris Liepe: Barre and Minor Chords
In this lesson, Chris introduces minor chords and barre chords.
Length: 25:23 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Strum Patterns and Time Signatues
Chris Liepe lays down some grooves in this lesson! He provides instruction on rhythmic strumming patterns and time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8.
Length: 21:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
All About Intervals
Intervals, Intervals, Intervals! Chris Liepe explains what they are, where they are found, and how to play them in this lesson.
Length: 14:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Intervals Pop Quiz
Sharpen your pencils and grab your guitar. It's pop quiz time. Chris Liepe adds to his beginner lesson series with a quiz on intervals. This is a hands-on lesson that will undoubtedly improve your ears....
Length: 15:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Triads: Everything You Need to Know
Chris Liepe breaks through his 10th lesson with a detailed discussion of triads. Dig in and take these triads for a ride!
Length: 24:14 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal Mini Series
This lesson begins a mini-series on effects pedals. Chris breaks down routing and how effects work with each other.
Length: 8:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Compression
The compression effect pedal is one of the most misunderstood pedals around. Chris Liepe finally sheds some light on the subject. By explaining all the different options and sounds this pedal can create,...
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Gain Stacking with Overdrive and Distortion
Chris Liepe is back with the 3rd installment in his Effects Pedal mini-series. He explains the concept of "gain stacking" by combining an Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
Length: 7:54 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Delay
Chris Liepe adds yet another lesson to his effect pedal-mini series. Here he covers the delay pedal. This effect that operates on the principles of time and rhythm. Use this pedal to add depth to your...
Length: 19:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Chorus
Chris Liepe quickly demonstrates the chorus pedal with some 80's style licks. This pedal can create a deep and rich addition to solos or add the illusion of multiple guitars.
Length: 3:28 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Understanding Key Signatures
Key Signatures! How do they relate to one another? Chris Liepe explains them in lesson 16 of his beginner series. Getting familiar with your key signatures will help pull everything together that has been...
Length: 15:21 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Harmony Basics
Chris Liepe demonstrates how to take a key signature (the set notes within a key) and stack 3rds on top of a root note to form chords. With the help of a modulating backing track, this should be a fun...
Length: 30:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Technique Basics: Alternate Picking
Chris explains and demonstrates the very basics of alternate picking. He also provides simple exercises to develop the technique in your own playing.
Length: 16:03 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Technique Basics: Legato Playing
Chris details and demonstrates the fundamental movements and suggested left hand position for legato playing -- specifically hammer-ons and pull-offs. He also provides exercises for developing the technique.
Length: 16:11 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 20
Technique Basics: Palm Muting
Chris talks about proper palm muting and discusses potential snags when first attempting the technique. He offers a number of exercises and patterns to help palm muting become a part of your rhythm playing.
Length: 9:22 Difficulty: 1.0 FREE
Technique Basics: Hybrid Picking
Hybrid Picking can add a fresh dimension to your chord and rhythm playing. In this lesson, Chris briefly covers how to get started with Hybrid Picking and offers two exercises that you can use to apply...
Length: 6:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 1)
Chris talks about what it means to play in position and teaches three of the five "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 12:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 2)
Chris continues in his teaching of the five basic "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 11:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
About Chris Liepe
View Full Biography
Chris Liepe was born on September 17th, 1981 in Portland OR. His first instrument was piano which he pursued until discovering his love for the electric guitar in high school. He became fans of such groups as Soundgarden, Collective Soul and U2 inspiring him to start singing, songwriting and helping others in their musical endeavors with teaching, co-writing and album production.
Having moved to Colorado with his family, he began gigging, recording and teaching in a number of music stores as well as out of his apartment until deciding to pursue music full time. He moved to Denver, CO to complete a Bachelors in Music Technology and was then hired on by Sweetwater Productions, a division of Sweetwater Sound and one of the largest, most successful recording studios in the Midwest.
Chris spent nearly 4 years at Sweetwater as a producer, recording engineer, studio musician and writer. During this time he had the privilege of working with many artists including Augustana, Landon Pigg, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me. He also wrote for and played on numerous independent albums and hundreds of radio/TV commercials.
Wanting to get back to his favorite State in the world (Colorado) and feeling the urge to 'go freelance', Chris moved to Greeley, CO and opened his own recording and teaching studio. He continues to write and produce music for artists and agencies and is happy to be among the proud JamPlay.com instructors.
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.When I can play the root and the next note (like in sections 1 & 2) I was doing very well. When I put the guitar away and was trying to do it by ear in section three, all bets were off!!
Hi Chris great lesson. Only am having trouble downloading GP5 to Guitar pro. I asked your helpdesk they asked me to contact Guitar pro I did this and they told me to contact Jamplay. Is there an easy way of downloading the file? thx
very strange. It's tough for me to say what your issue might be because I'm able to download and load the file just fine on GP5 and GP6. I know this isn't much help :) the GP support say? Anyone else here having the same issue?
Thanks Chris for replying. I might contact them again they referred me back to Jamplay. See how I go contacting them again. :)
Argh my hand! good practice of using all four fingers! A joyful pain right?
great lesson !...really helped me understand the basic idea...are there any other lessons or practice materials on the sight you could recommend.?
try the interval quiz if you haven't already. see how you do :)
Great lesson Chris! I guess there is a small mistake in the description of the lesson. In the last part of the paragraph "The Intervals" you write "If you lower the Perfect, it actually just becomes a Major 3rd." It should be the Perfect 4th I guess?
For Perfect 5th song I use "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
Great lesson - This one needs a "star" next to it. I've been a guitar owner for years. This a key piece of the puzzle to go from "owner" to "player". I sat around just playing ascending and descending runs against the root and it sounds great! Starting throwing a third note and was hearing chords! One comment - you lost me right when you started playing the intervals against the root - scene 2 at around 4:40 to 5:30 you lost me and I had to go to the tab to figure out what you were doing.
hey chris. when u play the harmonic interval do u play the low e string with the original interval or u play the a and d string too
a harmonic interval is defined as only playing two notes together. If I played 3 strings, it becomes a chord. so if I'm playing the E and the D string for an interval, I'm good, but if I added a third one in there it would then be classified as a chord
Great Lesson Chris. Apparently, the first two big notes of the Starwars Main Theme are also a perfect fifth, for those who know that one. "DUM DA, Du Du Du Dum. Another handy interval song is Somewhere Over The Rainbow. The first word, "Some-" and "-where" uses a whole octave jump. The Titanic Theme also has an octave jump in the third word of the chorus.. "Near, far, WHER-EVER you are....". Enjoying your lesson. Thanks. Chris C
the star wars one yes. but some where over the rainbow no
Great lesson, Chris!! I appreciate the fact that you are introducing theory along with the lessons. Personally, I need to understand why I'm doing certain things...that's just the way I learn best. Thank you!!!
Nice lesson Chris! This is just what I needed...
thx chris, also i really like that ibanez, can you tell me the model,
Thanks! The guitar is a discontinued Ibanez S Prestige. Not sure the exact model. I'll try and find out!
the model might be written on the back of the headstock
That's my dream guitar
great lesson!