Major/Minor 2nds, why so difficult - especially ascending?

msealey · Post by **msealey** » 09 Jan 2011, 15:16

I got nearly 99% on Interval Comparison lessons 1 - 12.

When I came to do #13 (Major vs minor 2nds - ascending), I started to find it a lot harder to recognize the greater interval.

Is there a reason for this, please?

And then when I went on to 14 (Major vs minor 2nds - descending), it suddenly became easier!

A known characteristic of this interval?!

TIA

Post by **Quentin** » 10 Jan 2011, 01:48

Many users have difficulties with lesson 13, because there is no common first tone. It is therefore very important to get used to the way each interval sounds, in order to not only compare 2 intervals, but also start to identify them (which will lead you to the interval identification exercise afterwards).

msealey · Post by **msealey** » 10 Jan 2011, 08:21

Thanks, Quentin; I am certainly going to stick with it

So are you saying that it's more the lack of a common (to both intervals) tone that I'm finding difficult than the nature of seconds?

Post by **Quentin** » 10 Jan 2011, 08:26

I can't be sure that it is what you find difficult, but it is what most users (including myself) struggle with. I find the sound of m2 and M2, once internalized, quite recognizable.

msealey · Post by **msealey** » 10 Jan 2011, 08:30

Thanks again; I think I'll repeat #13 (I did it half a dozen times yesterday) to try and get closer to 99%!

This time I'll pay more attention to the consonance/dissonance properties.

I love EarMaster, BTW - thanks!

Post by **Quentin** » 10 Jan 2011, 08:35

Sounds good

You could also train with a customized interval ID lesson with only m2 and M2 in order to focus on how they sound individually.

msealey · Post by **msealey** » 10 Jan 2011, 08:47

Good idea. Thanks.

I'm curious, though: as things stand now (I'm new to this), I'm just working my way through recognition tests. Every day (as suggested) for 20 to 30 minutes.

Can I assume, though, that something is (physically?/chemically?) changing in my brain to make me (permanently?!) more conscious of these intervals - provided I stick at it?

Post by **Quentin** » 11 Jan 2011, 00:51

I wouldn't risk trying to give pseudo-scientific explanations when I have no knowledge on the matter. I simply believe that you get used to the sound of the intervals and develop some reflexes that are similar to playing on your instrument. For example, after years of practice, you don't have to think any longer about how to play a particular scale or chord, you (your fingers) just do it.

msealey · Post by **msealey** » 11 Jan 2011, 18:34

Thanks again, Quentin; again - very helpful

Something else I've noticed with regards to Seconds is how much easier some are than others. In the course of 15 questions half a dozen stand out almost before 'B' has finished. Other intervals I have to play up to four or five times… then still get them incorrect!