Meaning of Simple Interval in Music
A simple interval in music refers to the distance between two notes that is within one octave or less. It can be measured by counting the lines and spaces between the given notes, always upward from the lower note. Simple intervals can be either melodic (sounded successively) or harmonic (sounded simultaneously).
Compound intervals, on the other hand, are larger than an octave and are heard as expanded versions of their simple counterparts. For example, a tenth (an octave plus a third) is associated with a third (an interval encompassing three scale steps).
The term "simple" in simple intervals refers to the fact that these intervals are within the range of one octave or less. It distinguishes them from compound intervals, which extend beyond one octave.
In Western tonality, intervals are an essential part of the major-minor system and are measured by their relationship to the diatonic scales.
An interval covering a single octave or less. This is as opposed to a compound interval which covers more than an octave.
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