Music theory basics · updated 2026-08-16

INTERVAL

The distance between two pitches, counted in scale steps (a third, a fifth) or in semitones (4, 7).

Close-up of handwritten sheet music and a pencil on a piano music desk

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for interval — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN MUSIC THEORY BASICS

Back to the full music glossary or read our latest articles.