The Interval Lesson I wish someone had given me! How to both HEAR and USE Intervals in music EP492

In this week's lesson, we'll be talking about how to find, understand, and use intervals to create melodies when composing a song or improvising. Having the ability to hear and play intervals is the key to speaking the language of music!
To view the extra materials for this lesson (the MP3 jam tracks, the interval ear training quizzes, and the extra video), visit: www.activemelo...
00:00 - Introduction
01:46 - What is an interval?
02:06 - The major scale and it's role in intervals
04:36 - Major 2nd Interval
05:25 - Perfect 4th Interval
08:00 - Major 3rd Interval
08:36 - Minor 3rd Interval
10:31 - Perfect 5th Interval
11:17 - Major 6th Interval
12:04 - Major 7th Interval
12:57 - Minor 7th Interval
13:44 - Examples of Intervals using a Jam Track

[@RealJamesWoods]

Brian is just the best, but this one lesson alone is perhaps the best single explanation of music structure for any guitarist or any musician in general. For me it was like walking out of the forest into the sunlight. What a great teacher (and all around guy) he is.

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Thanks James Woods 🙏

[@lorenzo-agnes]

Fully agreed! I finally get it. Thank you!

[@canadianintheukbrian]

Mr. Woods he certainly has a tremondous ability to teach, I definetly agree with you it was a massive light bulb that went on this 57 year old brain : )

[@tommyers2166]

What he said!

[@stephie.m]

Don't forget, also, that there's life beyond Greek scales/modes.

[@stuartsmith4223]

More interval training please! The most authentic guitar teacher out there. Thank you for putting so much enthusiasm and joy into your lessons Brian.

[@Romdryl]

Such good stuff, Brian. You’re a credit to the music teaching world.

[@SY-lm5ke]

Maybe your best lesson yet from an educational perspective, and you’ve had many good ones, thank you.

[@ek19751]

I always hit the like button first by default, and then I go through your lesson. And I've never regretted hitting that like button 😅. Thank you Brian

[@denisechetty4019]

Haha, me too😊

[@5StringRob]

😊 Me too. Afraid I'll forget, and I KNOW it's gonna deserve a thumbs up. Brian is amazing.

[@Harrysound]

In the last 90 minutes I’ve watched this 3 times. I’ve got it down. I understand it and can apply it and now can teach others the same. Turning point video for me!

[@luckyfamilyman]

OK Brian this is one of the best teaser lessons ever.. I use the term teaser for one reason only when he says members get all this extra material Like playing these in multiple keys, quizzes etc.. he means it. Brian is the type of guy that doesn’t do all that smoke and mirrors, over promise underperform trickery other guys do. I have referred multiple people to the member section and every single one of them that have signed up have loved it only two people were upset with me and that was for waiting so long to tell them about it😂 Can’t wait to see the member lesson! Thanks again Brian!!

[@brianklink443]

One of the best teachers on KZbin. I wish he was available 30 years ago to break this stuff down into bite size chunks for me.

[@GuitarJoLa]

Intervals are the hardest concepts for me to HEAR - but now that you came up with this absolutely BRILLIANT 💡well-constructed lesson and training materials, I think there might still be hope for me! Words can't describe how amazing teacher you are, Brian - you have AGAIN outdone yourself! 🎶💖

[@nomadman123]

This, sir, is an excellent lesson! Definitely the one that is getting me to subscribe to the extra materials. I thought I knew my intervals but I’ve never *listened* to them in this way. It helps to hear the notes in an organized manner and I am NOT organized so I’d never come across this myself. Another very focused and helpful lesson. Like so many of yours, you teach me to listen and it’s not only smart but it’s way more fun!

[@wsurferdude]

Finally coming together. It took awhile to make some sense of intervals. More interval training please. Brian, Thank You!

[@LMSlondon]

One of the best lessons I’ve come across. And I’ve watch SO so many. Thanks for sharing your knowledge so lucidly.

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

Yes, This lesson I just keep going back to it & enjoying it very much!! What a teacher You are! A+A+A+A+

[@martinburns7928]

Formatted presentation containing a wide and valuable scope that includes those little details of information that “some mortals” apparently are not born with. Nicely done, Thanks !

[@Stevieboysp202]

Brian I have been trying to play guitar and understand the mechanics properly for many years. I have had lessons on and off for decades. I have to say this is the best lesson ever, explained perfectly and at a perfect pace for me, brilliant thank you.

[@weddingwiththewhitedove]

Yess!Finally.Someone linking the intervals with their sound ,diminished and root plus perfect 7th.Sound is everything at the right interval..

[@meltoninyourmouth]

The most enlightening guitar instructor I've ever heard. This lesson is a perfect example. Love this guy.

[@jimmybobbgraham2047]

Really great lesson Brian. Been often wondering how when really great players are improvising or making it up spontaneously how they do it. This lesson feels like a real breakthrough for me in that direction. Many thanks. You're a great teacher.

[@jonessusan100]

L

[@taovox]

One of the best teachers on the web. Simply great 🤟🤟🤟

[@bryanhernandez2028]

Literally the best instructor out there. Makes everything so clear! 🤘 thank you, Brian.

[@msteve1956]

Thanks Brian that is probably the most important guitar lesson that I've ever watched.

[@jarhead3038]

I've been playing since 1963 and your channel is the most informative out there. Excellent.

[@Win_die_Alice]

how many more times i will sit with the smile on the whole face and think that it's the best guitar teacher on youtube?) thank you Brian for your work, u're actually the one who truly shed light on heads of even intermediate guitarists. you're the BEST!!!!

[@jmorra]

Holy Toledo. A whole semester of music school in a few minutes. I went back to a theory book I worked through when I was 18. All of this was there, with zero application. And now....this. THANK YOU!

[@mastabad2]

This is one seriously exceptional lesson. Thanks

[@chris_5064]

Thank you. A lightbulb moment. A brilliant lesson. I have seen many attempts to convey this knowledge, but this has to be the clearest and most accessible of any I have seen. I too wish I had heard this 45 years ago. Coming from a non musical background I love music, and on one level you don't have to know how it works to enjoy it. Musical language can seem mysterious and impenetrable, but this offers such a simple clear demonstration of how melody can work with tension and resolution. It's a short step then to harmony, add a steady beat, and the sky is the limit.

[@demofuckinoner]

This lesson was mindblowin for me. I learned so much in the middle of the night… Thanks a lot!

[@29memyselfandi]

Mate, that was genuinely brilliant. Made so much sense even to an old guy like me who’s not much good on guitar. Maybe the best lesson I’ve seen on KZbin. Thanks.

[@demyb]

Single note backing track is a brilliant idea. Thanks for the lesson!

[@susandaniels4879]

This is so interesting! and you explain it so well, i knew some notes leave you 'hanging' and they can be resolved with another note, and the 'blue' note.....but thats really all i knew, and now i cant wait to watch this again and get some ear training practice in, thank you Brian

[@trukapipa]

Great lesson! By using Happy Birthday for the 2nd in the beginning, you establish a key in the listener’s head. Many students will hold this key in their head and hear the 4th, which you cover next, as the tonic. Then when you introduce the 3rd as a plane landing, it fails to have that effect to the listener who has the key of E major still in their head. So, as you point out, it is not always the best idea to use a melody to remember intervals-the melody can suggest a key that might be different than the one you are working in.

[@jdrichardson5985]

Brian absolutely one of your best lessons! You’re a superb teacher.

[@AnonMemSoc]

Great lesson simplified as usual. Top 5 guitar teachers on KZbin IMHO

[@drivenmad7676]

Brian i just had a moment watching this. You just opened my eyes and made me understand this for the first time. Thank you very much.

[@emoshurchak]

Barney Kessel calls this "interval sense". Thanks for taking a shot at something that most instructors avoid because it is so difficult to explain (ear training). I would just add that a good way to develop this skill is to play simple, familiar melodies (eg "Happy Birthday", "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"). You will start out using trial and error, but will get more accurate as your ear learns the sounds of the intervals.

[@scottierockswii]

You are the best at explaining everything. An absolute pleasure takiing in your instruction.

[@Bcananzey]

Dude, I love you man. This is litterly the best most important video ever. I can absolutely relate to the Title. Everyone should see this if they struggle with melodic playing. Took me a long time to figure this stuff out being self taught. Again Bravo!!!

[@lorenzo-agnes]

It's like the light was just switched on! Thank you for this - finally all makes sense.

[@timsmith190]

I have been subscribed to and followed your channel for a few years now. I just noticed you DON'T have a long, annoying, and loud title sequence. God bless you. To my mind it lends credibility to what you are trying to convey. Thanks for your efforts.

[@yourmomma6909]

Brian this is by far the best lesson you have giving to date. You have a lot of good ones would love to see more on this subject . This will definitely help improve your ear great lesson

[@midrider335]

I’ve been following your lessons for years now Brian but this is at the top of the heap! Great lesson and thank you!

[@tedc6694]

53 years old, playing since I was 4. I can feel Epiphany #24 trying to materialize because of this lesson.

[@CraigStetsonScottsdale]

Awesome, Brian! That’s opened a lot of doors for me.

[@StuartMealor]

Just a great lesson. As a keyboard player I know the intervals, but as a guitar learner it was so nice to see this related to a chord, a simple position, and taking the time to hear, and feel, the tones and relationships between the notes, and over the jam track it was a clear and powerful example - very well taught - thanks so much !

[@imvevad89]

One of the best lessons I’ve seen in the last couple of years

[@jayseb]

Interesting, even after 30 years playing. Always a good reminder, and how learning flows helps learn a bunch of songs from a simple root. Great video.

[@randyandamberthompson9972]

This is by far the best explanation I've seen. Thank you.

[@johnmikeswift4960]

very much enjoyed your explanation of intervals. I think I understand how to use them now. Thanks

[@inretrospect2010]

One of the best guitar lessons I’ve ever had! You rock man thanks

[@chafrewilcha]

I agree with at real James Woods. Brian is just the best!

[@canadianintheukbrian]

Brian you nailed it with this lesson, I'm pretty familar with intervals but I wanted to get more into it, having it explained in a clear consise manner is real important to understand this , I'm back as a Premium Member, the extras on this lesson , my hands are clapping, I am going to work on this lesson take my time , again thank you for this lessons ,

[@medinad001]

Light Bulb! I haven't had an Aha! moment in quite a while. This was a revelation for me. Thanks Brian!

[@ShahabShahani-co8xz]

You are great teacher, thank you. And congratulations ❤

[@jeffro.]

I think the reason why I've been drawn to music is because it's easy for me to remember specific sounds (usually phrases of notes), then later to reproduce them on guitar. More specifically, now I can say it was the intervals that I could identify and reproduce (now that my vocabulary has been enlightened!). That's why I can learn songs "by ear." So, as I've been playing guitar again, I've learned to identify a few specific notes & chords, like I can hear A major (or minor) and know what it is. (I've been able to distinguish Major & minor intervals for many years.) I also can usually recognize D & E. From those, I can usually work out in my head any other chords or notes using intervals. This exercise has propelled me forward! I will work on this until I get better and faster! Thank you for this! (I didn't realize exactly what I was doing, or where to go until I watched this video!) Once again, thank you Brian, for the insight and the knowledge! Such a good teacher, and so timely! 👌

[@shumboom]

First time i have got through a theory lesson all the way to the end. You are the music teacher I never had at school.

[@susandaniels4879]

hah me too!

[@paulmera7677]

✨Wunderbar! Danke für die Lektionen 👌

[@johnsee7269]

I just don't know how he can come up with this stuff; consistently creating a sense of awe and wonder (in me) that never ends... Kinda like your next favorite song that you haven't heard yet...

[@281Boss]

Well hell. Now I know how I'm spending my Saturday. I LOVE this lesson. Thank you.

[@nickyengle9668]

Another Awsome lesson,Thks !, your my fav on youtube,please dont go nowhere. Thks again !

[@MelodyMaker]

Received my lesson on intervals from Pebber Brown who was tasked with catching up some music students who needed to stay after class. Session was posted on youtube. I fluked into the proper chronology of learning music theory.

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

As a beginner concentrating on creating melodies, I believe I've found the right place to learn:)

[@girliedog]

Your classes are so well done, particularly for someone like me who has trouble wrapping their braid around the language of music.

[@activemelody]

Thank you :)

[@Carmel-uk1vn]

touche amigo , at last ive managed to get from one end of neck to other and back without bad notes , been 40 yrs in the trying , but youve shown me in an hour ,im trying to get to play likethe late and ledgendary hugh loyd langton from hawkwind , and this is a step in right direction, following

[@jameswoodley9409]

This is the best lesson on intervals I have ever heard and experienced thank you so much

[@5StringRob]

Yep, this is brilliant. I sometimes wonder if Brian actually believes us, when we are being so effusive in our comments. I can only speak for myself, but yeah, the lessons are truly THAT good. This was a masterpiece, for me.

[@redelk2974]

Thank you Brian. Excellent.

[@drewdietz2115]

absolutely a great lesson. thanks Brian.

[@Manav235]

God, this one video has taught me so well. Thanks for the groove.

[@cameronsmith8515]

This has honestly changed everything for me. Amazing lesson

[@user-ln2ko5pr3f]

Awesome- fantastic interval lesson

[@stenindelente8472]

stunning channel that i discovered only yesterday, but i learned more in one day about theory than the last five years, thank you so much, Brian!

[@macsarcule]

Omg, this is the best explanation of this EVER.

[@douglasbroccone3144]

Dig the intervals lesson Slowly starting to get it. Thanks brother

[@coycarlson4979]

Wish you were my neighbor Brian - GREAT INSTRUCTION 👍🙂🙂✌️

[@peterballotta2215]

Brian, this was one of the clearest, easy to absorb lessons you have presented. Thanks so much….

[@CthrutheLInEs]

This was fantastic. You got yourself a new subscriber here and I'm heading on over to your site to see what other gold is there to be mined. Thanks so much!

[@BrianBellMusic]

THIS VIDEO IS INCREDIBLE.....

[@hb2289]

Hello Brian, I started my journey almost 1year a go. I am obviously working on intervals now. I thank you for putting this in perspective for me as I have a better understanding. I am about to head over to the website to follow up the lesson. Towards the end I was doing my best to keep up but you seemed to be all over the neck and this is where I want to be. Thanks for the video, I liked and subscribed.

[@styoda9049]

super lesson, I knew the intervals, but now I understand them. great teatcher. thanks.

[@victordu4694]

i understood so many things i needed to put a name on. thanks a lot, small bricks i can use , very well done

[@sviborgamulin3929]

Brilliant Lesson! Thank you!

[@carlclark8206]

Wow! After this lesson I finally get it.

[@floggymosco13]

Super useful and easy to understand thanks for the content.

[@andercoyote4170]

This was the lesson I needed. Gracias

[@thomasmartinscott]

Excellent Lesson! Where were you 60 years ago when I was learning barre chords from Beatle Cards with a magnifying glass? (True Story!) You got 5 Beatle Cards (like Baseball Cards) with a piece of bubble gum for a nickel. I learned Barre Chords from them. I hope people realize what a Blessing you are!

[@burnedclutch]

Cool, that was like fertilizer for my brain, Brian! Connections of feelings and sound are now more possible. On top of everything else; you gave me a way to apply and study melodies or riffs and complete song thoughts as procedure, a method. Im going to challenge myself putting song structure to this method for example, intro, pre chorus, bridges, basically passages and what feeling i want out them by using your interval connection with levels of mood. Cheers! your laid back approach is also very calming and appealing and intelligent!

[@dipdayve]

Thanks Brian, great lesson!

[@NoLeakz]

Massive!!! Thanks for the Light Bulb and the AhhHah!

[@christh22]

Great lesson. Intervals easily explained, what, how and application.

[@friedenslutheran2757]

This was a huge lightbulb moment! Thanks!

[@readmails3033]

More my good friend. More. We want more. ❤️

[@db7874]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

That is surely helpful for me! Thank you!!

[@57berg]

I subscribed after seeing this lesson!🎸

[@mtbfreebirdTCB]

It was a really interesting course on intervals and improvisation and must say simple and fun. Cheers in my 45 I feel i have understood so easily. Appreciate it. Love and respect from Sikkim (Denjong)

[@ksharpe10]

Proud Mary would be another 1st to 2nd, once you started the B tone and played them I heard it immediately. Really unique Lesson you have here.

[@MegaMojo22]

Very good teacher!

[@idahwandia-tq2em]

everything opened up for me for sure

[@venician2face]

Amazing. Brian, you are a real teacher.

[@lManwel]

Wow, just found this channel (coming from the circle of 5ths lesson), and I already can see it's one of the best, theory-wise. Congrats, and thank you!