Topmusicanswers
Any interval can be augmented or diminished. Augmented intervals are one half-step larger than a perfect or major interval. Diminished intervals are one half-step smaller than a perfect or minor interval.
- How do you know if an interval is augmented or diminished?
- What are augmented and diminished triads?
- What generic intervals can be augmented or diminished?
How do you know if an interval is augmented or diminished?
If an interval is a half-step larger than a perfect or a major interval, it is called augmented. An interval that is a half-step smaller than a perfect or a minor interval is called diminished.
What are augmented and diminished triads?
Diminished and augmented chords are two types of triads. Augmented triads have an unusual, mysterious sound, while diminished chords have an unsettling, dissonant sound. The other two types of triads are major and minor.
What generic intervals can be augmented or diminished?
Main intervals
| Number of semitones | Minor, major, or perfect intervals | Augmented or diminished intervals |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Perfect unison | Diminished second |
| 1 | Minor second | Augmented unison |
| 2 | Major second | Diminished third |
| 3 | Minor third | Augmented second |
