BazzLow
ENIT
Module 4 · Lesson 6

Compound intervals

Name intervals larger than an octave and link them to their simple forms.

Before this lesson: 4.5 Inverting intervals

Intervals do not stop at the octave. Bass lines, and later chords, use notes more than an octave above the root.

Beyond the octave

Intervals larger than an octave are compound intervals. To find the simple interval inside, subtract 7 from the number: you get the same interval one octave smaller, with the same quality.

Compound intervals and their simple forms.
Compound= octave +Semitones (major or perfect)
9th2nd14 (M9)
10th3rd16 (M10)
11th4th17 (P11)
12th5th19 (P12)
13th6th21 (M13)

In chords (Module 14), 9, 11 and 13 name notes added above a seventh chord. They are the same note names as 2, 4 and 6.

The tenth on the bass

The major 10th, a major 3rd plus an octave, is a popular wide interval on the bass. From a root on the E string, it is three strings up, one fret up.

Bass neck, frets 0–12C at fret 8 on the E string. E as a major 3rd: A string, fret 7. E as a major 10th, an octave higher: G string, fret 9 (three strings up, one fret up).GDAE678910P1M3M10
C at fret 8 on the E string. E as a major 3rd: A string, fret 7. E as a major 10th, an octave higher: G string, fret 9 (three strings up, one fret up).
Try it

From C at fret 3 on the A string, find D a major 2nd above, then the D a 9th above, an octave higher.

New terms