# Compound intervals

*Module 4 · Lesson 6: Intervals · BazzLow*

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

Before this lesson: [4.5 Inverting intervals](https://bazzlow.com/en/intervals/interval-inversion/)

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) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 9th | 2nd | 14 (M9) |
| 10th | 3rd | 16 (M10) |
| 11th | 4th | 17 (P11) |
| 12th | 5th | 19 (P12) |
| 13th | 6th | 21 (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**.

> **Diagram:** 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

- compound interval
- simple interval
- ninth
- eleventh
- thirteenth
- tenth

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/intervals/compound-intervals/