Melodic and Harmonic Intervals

So far, we’ve looked at intervals as harmonic – two notes played simultaneously.

Intervals can also be melodic – written one after the other.

For example, Harmonic Third is followed by Melodic Third.

Example

Here is the first bar of Beethoven’s famous Moonlight Sonata.

Let’s analyse all the intervals one by one.

Harmonic Intervals

In the Bass Clef, we have the only harmonic interval of the bar.

A Perfect Octave (P8) from C Sharp.

Melodic Intervals

In the Treble Clef, we essentially have a broken chord.

Let’s examine the intervals between those notes.

The first two notes make a Perfect Fourth (P4).

G Sharp – C Sharp

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Between the C Sharp and E we have a Minor Third (m3)

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And finally, a Minor Sixth (m6) between G Sharp and E.