Topmusicanswers
The label of “perfect” in addition to a number describes the interval's quality. These intervals are called perfect because the ratios of their frequencies are simple whole numbers.
- Why is a perfect interval perfect?
- What does it mean for an interval to be perfect?
- What intervals are called perfect?
- Why are the intervals perfect 4th and 5th called perfect?
Why is a perfect interval perfect?
In the first group, all intervals of a unison or an octave are called perfect because the note is not changed. An octave is twice (or half) the frequency of the first note. The second group includes the perfect fifth or perfect fourth. Actually, traditionally the fourth was not considered consonant.
What does it mean for an interval to be perfect?
What is a Perfect Interval? A perfect interval identifies the distance between the first note of a major scale and the unison, 4th, 5th or octave. Only those intervals can be given the extra attached name as “perfect”. PU/PP/P1 = Perfect Unison/Perfect Prime.
What intervals are called perfect?
Perfect intervals are the unison, fourth, fifth, and octave. They occur naturally in the major scale between scale note 1 and scale notes 1, 4, 5, and 8.
Why are the intervals perfect 4th and 5th called perfect?
The term perfect identifies the perfect fifth as belonging to the group of perfect intervals (including the unison, perfect fourth and octave), so called because of their simple pitch relationships and their high degree of consonance.
