7/23/2020 Inversion of Intervals Explained

Music Theory for the 21st-Century

∑ Classroom
Robert Hutchinson

5.4 Inversion of Intervals Explained

There are only two notes in an interval, one lower and one higher. To invert an
interval, change the position of the notes so the note that was lower is now
higher.

In the above example, a m6 inverts to a M3. This is true for all notes a M3 (or
m6) away from each other. Below are examples of how intervals invert.

Note that the symbol represents “diminished” (one half step smaller than
∘

perfect or minor) and the symbol + represents “augmented” (one half step
larger than perfect or major).

Below is a chart of how intervals invert.

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7/23/2020 Inversion of Intervals Explained

To write a small interval below a given note, you should be able to combine
whole steps and half steps up to the interval of a perfect fourth (two whole steps
plus one half step). To write a larger interval below a given note, invert the
interval size, determine the note above, then write it below the given note.

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