Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Descending Intervals (Interval Inversion)

We have been drawing simple intervals abovenotes. To draw a simple interval belowagiven note, begin by
inverting the interval to be drawn (one of the notes will move up or down an octave; the other note remains
unchanged).

Notice:

• The inverted interval consists of the same pitches in a different octave.


• When intervals invert, the two interval numbers will total nine.

Note: use either of the following diagrams to visualize this concept.

• Qualities of inverted intervals will change in this manner:

For example:

P1 P8 M2 m7 m3 M6 P4 P5 d5 A4

275

INTERVALS

fourth fifth fourth fifth

Lower the D an octave OR Raise the A an octave

1 inverts to 8 8 inverts to 1

2 inverts to 7 7 inverts to 2

3 inverts to 6 6 inverts to 3

4 inverts to 5 5 inverts to 4

18

27

36

4 5

PP

Mm

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