How to Practice Intervals on the Guitar

Intervals on the guitar are more than just the space between notes; they're the secret sauce behind every riff, melody, and chord that makes your favorite songs tick. If you've ever found yourself wondering why some guitarists can make their playing sound so rich and textured, the answer often lies in their mastery of intervals. We're going to break down how you can practice intervals on the guitar, transforming your playing from simple to sophisticated.

Understanding Intervals: The Building Blocks of Music

First things first, let's get a grasp of what intervals actually are. In music, an interval is the distance between two pitches. Think of it as the difference in pitch from one note to another. Each interval has a unique sound and character, which is why they're so crucial in shaping the music you play.

On the guitar, intervals can be visualized by the number of frets between two notes. For example, moving from an open string to the first fret is a minor second, while jumping up two frets is a major second. These small shifts create different musical emotions, from tension to resolution.

1. Unison: Two identical notes.
2. Minor Second: One half step apart (e.g., E to F).
3. Major Second: Two half steps apart (e.g., E to F#).
4. Minor Third: Three half steps apart (e.g., E to G).
5. Major Third: Four half steps apart (e.g., E to G#).
6. Perfect Fourth: Five half steps apart (e.g., E to A).
7. Tritone: Six half steps apart (e.g., E to Bb).
8. Perfect Fifth: Seven half steps apart (e.g., E to B).
9. Minor Sixth: Eight half steps apart (e.g., E to C).
10. Major Sixth: Nine half steps apart (e.g., E to C#).
11. Minor Seventh: Ten half steps apart (e.g., E to D).
12. Major Seventh: Eleven half steps apart (e.g., E to D#).
13. Octave: Twelve half steps apart (e.g., E to E).

Interestingly enough, each interval has a distinct feel and function. A major third feels bright and happy, while a minor third might sound sad or melancholic. The tritone, often called the "devil's interval," brings a sense of tension. Recognizing these differences is important for crafting the mood of your music.

Practicing Intervals: Start with the Basics

When you're ready to get hands-on, start with the basics. Grab your guitar and choose a string to work with. Begin by playing each interval up and down the fretboard. Focus on listening to the sound each one makes. As you play, memorize the feel and sound of each interval.

• Single String Practice: Play intervals on one string to understand spacing.
• Adjacent Strings: Move to adjacent strings to see how intervals translate across the fretboard.
• Alternating Strings: Try playing intervals by skipping strings to challenge your finger dexterity.

Playing intervals in different positions on the guitar helps you visualize patterns and build muscle memory. For metal guitarists, this is particularly useful when creating riffs that require quick shifts and precise finger placement. As you practice, remember to keep it slow and steady—accuracy is more important than speed at this stage.

Intervals in Metal: Adding Texture and Depth

Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to bring some of that metal flair into your practice. Metal music often thrives on tension and release, making intervals a powerful tool in your arsenal. Let's explore some ways to incorporate them into your playing.

• Power Chords: The most famous use of intervals in metal is the power chord, which is essentially a perfect fifth interval. Try adding a major or minor third to create more complex chords.
• Tritone Riffs: Use the tritone to add dissonance and tension to your riffs. This interval is perfect for heavy breakdowns.
• Harmonic Intervals: Play harmonics using intervals to add an ethereal quality to your solos.

For those interested in diving deeper, we at Riffhard offer a plethora of lessons that cover these techniques in depth. Our instructors, who are some of the best in the modern metal scene, break down how to use intervals effectively in your riff writing and solos.

The Role of Intervals in Lead Guitar

Lead guitar playing is where intervals truly shine. They help you create memorable solos that sing and soar. Understanding intervals can transform your solos from a series of notes into a cohesive, expressive piece of music. Here's how to practice intervals in your lead playing:

• Interval Jumps: Practice jumping between intervals instead of playing scales linearly. This helps break the monotony and adds excitement to your solos.
• Bends and Slides: Use bends and slides to move between intervals smoothly. This technique adds expressiveness and fluidity to your playing.
• Arpeggios: Arpeggios are essentially intervals played in sequence. Practice them to get comfortable with intervals in a musical context.

While it's hard to say for sure what your personal style might be, experimenting with different interval combinations can lead to some great discoveries. Need some inspiration? Our library at Riffhard is packed with lessons from guitarists like Dean Lamb and Aaron Marshall, who demonstrate how they use intervals in their solos.

Using Intervals to Write Riffs

Riff writing is a core component of any metal guitarist's skill set. Intervals play a significant role in defining the character and groove of a riff. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to incorporate intervals into your riff-writing process:

1. Choose a Root Note: Start with a root note to establish the tonal center of your riff.
2. Select an Interval: Pick an interval to build tension or resolve within your riff.
3. Experiment with Rhythm: Use different rhythmic patterns to give your riff its unique feel.
4. Add Flavor with Techniques: Incorporate techniques like palm muting, slides, or hammer-ons to enhance the riff.

On the other hand, some riffs might benefit from unexpected interval jumps, which add surprise and interest. If you're looking to hone your riff-writing skills, check out our extensive course offerings at Riffhard, where we dive into the intricacies of crafting killer riffs.

Intervals in Songwriting: Crafting Emotion

When it comes to songwriting, intervals are the emotional backbone of your music. They help convey the mood and message of your song. Whether you're writing a blistering metal anthem or a haunting ballad, understanding intervals can guide your creative decisions.

• Storytelling Through Sound: Use major intervals to convey hope and optimism, while minor intervals can evoke sadness or introspection.
• Building Tension: Incorporate dissonant intervals like the tritone to build tension before a dramatic release.
• Harmony and Melody: Explore how different intervals work together to create harmony and melody.

While songwriting is a deeply personal process, having a strong grasp of intervals can give you the tools to express your ideas more effectively. For those wanting to refine their songwriting skills, our lessons at Riffhard cover everything from song structure to lyrical themes, helping you create music that resonates with listeners.

Advanced Interval Exercises

For those who are comfortable with the basics and ready to push their skills further, advanced interval exercises can provide a challenging yet rewarding practice routine. Here are a few exercises to try:

• Intervallic Patterns: Practice scales using intervallic patterns, like thirds or fourths, instead of playing them in sequence.
• Interval Studies: Focus on specific intervals each week and write short compositions using them.
• Improvisation: Challenge yourself to improvise solos using only certain intervals, forcing creative solutions and new ideas.

These exercises not only improve your technical ability but also expand your musical vocabulary, helping you find your unique voice on the guitar. Remember, consistency is key, so integrate these exercises into your practice routine regularly for the best results.

Tools to Enhance Your Interval Practice

Incorporating technology into your practice routine can significantly accelerate your progress. Here are a few tools that can help:

• Metronome: Essential for keeping time and improving your rhythm. Practice intervals at various tempos.
• Recording Software: Record your practice sessions to evaluate your progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Backing Tracks: Use backing tracks to practice intervals in a musical context, helping you develop your timing and musicality.

At Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome designed specifically for guitarists, along with a wealth of backing tracks that you can use to practice intervals in real-world scenarios.

Final Thoughts

Intervals are a powerful tool in any guitarist's arsenal, offering a pathway to richer, more expressive playing. By diving into the world of intervals, you're not only enhancing your technical skills but also unlocking new creative possibilities. And if you're looking for a supportive community and expert guidance, Riffhard is here to help you take your playing to the next level with lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists.