For example, an interval may be “minor third” or “perfect fifth. ” Major intervals usually sound more upbeat compared to minor intervals.

There are online tools (EarMaster. com, VCU Music Theory, AudioJungle. net, and HornInsights. com) to help you find reference songs that you know. [3] X Research source Trainear. com is a free tool that allows you to practice and test your skills. Apple has also developed an app called Interval Recognition that you can practice and test yourself with. This is a good method if you are new to relative pitch training. “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 can be used for minor 2nd. “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga can be used for minor 3rd. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele can be used for perfect 4th. The Star Wars theme song can be used for perfect 5th.

For example, “do-re” is “major second, :” and “do-le/si” is “minor sixth. ”[5] X Research source This method is difficult if you are not already familiar with solfege. If you are already familiar with solfege, this method will come naturally to you.

You are treating intervals as abstract sounds that are not part of real music. It can be difficult to recognize the intervals within music when you have only learned them as isolated sounds. Use an online interval trainer like intervaleartrainer. com or a mobile phone app (e. g. RelativePitch, Perfect Ear 2, or Complete Ear Trainer) to help you. You can also work with an experienced musician or singer to play notes for you and test your recognition. This approach is a nice addition to using reference songs. If you play an instrument, you can play the notes on your instrument and use a tuner to make sure that you are in tune.

The major and minor seconds are the most common used intervals used in between notes. The major and minor thirds and perfect fourths and fifths are important for harmony, chords, and chord progression.

Major triads are formed with a pitch, a root, and a note that is a major third above. For example, the C major triad includes the notes C,E, and G. Minor triads are formed in the opposite of order of a major triad and include a minor third interval and and a major third. For example, C minor triad includes the notes C, Eb, and G. The middle note determines the difference between a major and minor triad. A diminished triad only uses a minor third interval. For example, a C diminished triad includes the notes C, Eb, and Gb. An augmented triad only uses major third intervals. For example, C augmented triad includes the notes, C, E, and G#. Complex chords are made by stacking triads. If you learn the basics, you will be able to progress to more complex sounds.

You can download MP3 tracks of the chords if you are working on your own.

When you begin to combine triads, always break down the sounds into smaller chunks. For example, it may help to play two triads, and only try to find the root note. Then play the same triads and listen for the top note.

Try to do 10 minutes of training each day. This is the absolute minimum.

A training session may consist of 15 minutes of listening and singing chords and 15 minutes of interval and chord practice with your instrument.

For example, you may spend January and February learning major intervals using reference songs, and then spend March and April learning minor intervals using reference songs. Using computer software like Earmaster and Transcribe can also help you outline your sessions and track your progress.