How to read intervals by their shape
Good readers don't name every note. They read the first note, then see how far the next one is by its shape on the staff and move the hand by that much. That distance is an interval, and every interval has a look you can learn.
Count both ends
An interval counts both notes and every letter between: C to E is a 3rd (C, D, E), C to G is a 5th (C, D, E, F, G). So a 2nd is a step to the next key and a 3rd skips one white key.
Each interval's shape
- 2nd: line to space, or space to line, the very next place
- 3rd: line to line, or space to space, one line or space in between
- 4th: line to space, or space to line, 2 lines and spaces in between
- 5th: line to line, or space to space, 3 lines and spaces in between
- 6th: line to space, or space to line, 4 lines and spaces in between
- 7th: line to line, or space to space, 5 lines and spaces in between
- octave: line to space, or space to line, 6 lines and spaces in between
The trap
Odd intervals (3rds, 5ths, 7ths) keep to the same kind of place: line to line or space to space. Even ones (2nds, 4ths, 6ths, octaves) swap. If a jump starts on a line and lands on a line, it can't be a 4th or a 6th: a quick check before you count.
Now read them. A drill of the 9 intervals and shapes in this guide: play each card on a MIDI keyboard or the keys on screen as soon as you can read it. Every answer is timed and goes on your reading map.
Start the drill