interval names

[Tom Driscoll]

Subject: interval names


> <<Not to  nit pick but there should be an agreed on format for naming
> intervals.
> an interval of G--C is a 4th.   if it is G#--C it is a dim4th.   To see
> right away that you are talking about a 3rd perhaps Ab3--C4  should be
> used.   There are execptions like C#--F, as in A--C#--F--A, the three
> contiguous 3rds in the A octave>>
>
> Yes, those are three contiguous "thirds" to the ear, but C# -- F is a
> diminished 4th (a perfect 4th contracted by a half-step).  Even though
> they're the same notes to the ear, to be spelled correctly as a Major 3rd,
> it has to be Db -- F  (b = flat), or C# -- E#.   We've been through this
> before a few months ago, but these (incorrect spellings) arose from tuners
> traditionally referring to all the black keys as "sharps", disregarding
> rules of music theory.      --David Nereson, RPT
>
        David,
          Respectfully, All tuners are not musicians, and  IMHO  calling a
fourth a diminished third could create confusion among those of us lacking
in the knowledge of music theory. I tend to get on my high horse concerning
incorrect nomenclature ( a character flaw on my part no doubt) but I draw
the line when I don't know the correct terms!
    Tom Driscoll