Memory Tricks to Remember Intervals Faster and Easier

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Learning to identify musical intervals is essential for musicians and music students. However, memorizing the different intervals can be challenging. Fortunately, there are effective memory tricks that can make this process faster and easier. This article explores some of the most useful techniques to help you master musical intervals with confidence.

Understanding Musical Intervals

An interval is the distance between two pitches. Intervals are named based on the number of steps between the notes and their quality (major, minor, perfect, etc.). Recognizing these intervals quickly is key to developing musical skills such as ear training, improvisation, and sight-reading.

Memory Tricks for Common Intervals

Here are some simple tricks to remember the most common intervals:

  • Unison (Perfect 1st): Think of it as the same note played twice. Imagine hearing a note echoing back to itself.
  • Minor 2nd (Half Step): Remember the sound of a “Jaws” theme or a very tense, dissonant sound.
  • Major 2nd (Whole Step): Think of the opening of “Happy Birthday” or a simple step up in a ladder.
  • Minor 3rd: Associate with the sound of a sad, minor chord or the “Ol’ McDonald Had a Farm” tune.
  • Major 3rd: Remember the bright, happy sound of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
  • Perfect 4th: Think of the opening of “Here Comes the Bride” or a stable, open sound.
  • Tritone (Augmented 4th/Diminished 5th): Remember the dissonant sound of the “Devil’s Interval” or the opening of “The Simpsons” theme.
  • Perfect 5th: Think of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or the opening of “Star Wars.”
  • Minor 6th: Associate with the “Lullaby” sound or “The Entertainer” melody.
  • Major 6th: Remember the “NBC” chime or “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.”
  • Minor 7th: Think of the “Jaws” theme or a tense, unresolved sound.
  • Major 7th: Associate with a nearly complete octave, like the sound leading up to a full octave.
  • Octave (Perfect 8th): Think of the same note played higher or lower, like singing “do” and then “do” an octave higher.

Using Mnemonics and Visual Aids

Mnemonics are powerful tools for memorization. For example, you can create a sentence where each word starts with the same letter as the interval:

  • Uncle Plays Heavy Piano (Unison, Perfect 4th, Major 2nd, Perfect 5th)
  • Many Monkeys Make Mad Jumps (Minor 3rd, Major 3rd, Major 6th, Major 7th)

Visual aids like interval charts or flashcards with images can also reinforce memory. Associating intervals with familiar songs or sounds helps embed them into your long-term memory.

Practice Tips for Faster Learning

Consistent practice is key. Here are some tips:

  • Sing intervals: Sing the interval names and associated melodies regularly.
  • Use ear training apps: Apps like Tenuto or Perfect Ear provide exercises to recognize intervals quickly.
  • Play with a partner: Test each other with interval quizzes.
  • Integrate into daily practice: Dedicate a few minutes each day to interval recognition drills.

With patience and regular practice, these tricks will help you recognize and remember intervals more effortlessly, enhancing your overall musical ear and performance skills.