How to Memorize Intervals on the Guitar

Intervals are the unsung heroes of music theory, sitting quietly in the background until you realize just how much they influence your guitar playing. Understanding and memorizing them can transform your approach to the guitar, especially if you're into genres like metal, where precision and creativity are equally essential.

What Are Intervals Anyway?

Intervals are the building blocks of music. Simply put, an interval is the distance between two pitches. On the guitar, this can be as simple as the gap between two frets or strings. But why should you care? Well, intervals help you construct scales, chords, and melodies. When you know them inside out, you can play by ear, transpose songs, and even improvise solos more effectively.

Think of intervals as the GPS for your musical journey. They guide you through scales and chord progressions, ensuring you don't lose your way. In metal, where riffs and solos can get pretty complex, knowing your intervals can be a game-changer.

The Basics: Whole Steps and Half Steps

Let's start with the foundation: whole steps and half steps. On the guitar, a half step is the distance of one fret, while a whole step is two frets. It's like walking versus jogging on your fretboard, with each step taking you a bit further.

• Half Step: Move from one fret to the next. For example, from the 5th fret to the 6th fret.
• Whole Step: Skip a fret. For example, from the 5th fret to the 7th fret.

Understanding these small steps is crucial, as they form the basis of all intervals. Once you have these down, you can easily identify other intervals like thirds, fifths, and octaves. It's like learning the alphabet before you start reading novels.

Major and Minor Intervals

Next up are major and minor intervals, which form the emotional backbone of music. The difference between the two lies in their size—a major interval is one half step larger than its minor counterpart. On the guitar, this means moving one extra fret.

• Major Third: Four frets apart. For instance, starting from the G note on the 3rd fret of the E string, the major third is the B note on the 7th fret.
• Minor Third: Three frets apart. Using the same starting point, the minor third would be the B♭ note on the 6th fret.

Recognizing these intervals can add color and mood to your playing. Major intervals often sound happy or resolved, while minor intervals can feel sad or tense. If you're crafting a metal riff, mix these up to create dynamics that keep listeners on the edge of their seats.

Perfect Intervals: Unisons, Fourths, and Fifths

In the world of intervals, some are deemed "perfect." These include unisons, fourths, and fifths. They're called perfect because they sound stable and consonant, making them essential in building power chords and other metal staples.

• Unison: Playing the same note, either on the same string or across different strings.
• Perfect Fourth: Five frets apart. For example, from the A note on the 5th fret of the E string, the perfect fourth is the D note on the 10th fret.
• Perfect Fifth: Seven frets apart. Continuing from the previous example, the perfect fifth is the E note on the 12th fret.

Perfect fifths are particularly important in metal music for creating power chords, which are the backbone of many riffs. These intervals give your chords that punchy, aggressive sound that's perfect for heavy genres.

Augmented and Diminished Intervals

For those venturing into more complex territory, augmented and diminished intervals are intriguing. These intervals add tension and dissonance, ideal for creating suspenseful or eerie sounds in your compositions.

• Augmented Fourth: Also known as a tritone, this interval is six frets apart. Starting from the C note on the 8th fret of the E string, the augmented fourth is the F♯/G♭ note on the 14th fret.
• Diminished Fifth: Also six frets apart, often used interchangeably with the tritone. It's a challenging interval that can add a dark, unsettling feel to your music.

These intervals aren't for the faint-hearted, but if you're into metal, they're definitely worth exploring. They can turn a simple riff into something haunting and memorable, setting your music apart from the rest.

Memorizing Intervals: Tips and Tricks

Memorizing intervals might seem daunting at first, but with a few tricks, you can internalize them quickly. Here are a few methods that have worked for many guitarists:

• Use Songs: Associate intervals with familiar songs. For example, the first two notes of "Here Comes the Bride" are a perfect fourth.
• Practice Consistently: Regular practice is key. Spend a few minutes each day identifying intervals on your guitar.
• Visual Patterns: Learn the fretboard patterns for each interval. This helps you recognize them quickly during play.

Interestingly enough, Riffhard offers lessons that can help you master these intervals faster. Our instructors break down complex concepts into digestible lessons, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.

Intervals in Metal: Putting It All Together

Now that you understand intervals, it's time to see how they fit into metal music. In this genre, intervals are crucial for creating riffs, solos, and harmonies that stand out.

Take a look at some of your favorite metal songs. Notice the intervals used in the riffs and solos. You'll often find perfect fifths and minor thirds, among others, creating the genre's signature sound.

For guitarists looking to write their own music, understanding intervals can open up new creative possibilities. You'll know exactly which notes to use to evoke certain emotions or create specific atmospheres in your music. And if you're ever stuck, our lessons at Riffhard can provide the inspiration and guidance you need.

Ear Training: A New Perspective

While playing guitar is a physical skill, developing your ear is just as important. Ear training involves recognizing intervals by sound, which can drastically improve your playing and songwriting.

Start by identifying intervals in songs you listen to. Can you hear the minor third in that riff? How about the perfect fifth in that chord progression? The more you practice, the better you'll get.

It seems that many top guitarists, including those teaching at Riffhard, emphasize ear training as a fundamental skill. This practice allows you to transcribe music, improvise solos, and even compose original pieces with greater ease.

Applying Intervals to Your Playing

Once you've memorized intervals, it's time to apply them to your playing. Experiment with different intervals in your riffs and solos. Try incorporating augmented and diminished intervals for a fresh twist.

Don't be afraid to push the boundaries. Use intervals to enhance your creativity and express your unique musical voice. Remember, music is all about exploration and self-expression.

And if you ever hit a roadblock, our lessons at Riffhard are here to help. Our platform features a wide range of lessons designed to improve your interval knowledge and overall guitar skills.

Final Thoughts

Intervals are the secret sauce that can elevate your guitar playing, especially if you're into metal genres. They help you understand music theory, compose memorable riffs, and play by ear. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists to help you master intervals and take your playing to the next level. Dive in, experiment, and let your creativity soar.