8 Diatonic Intervals
Using the first 8 notes of the C major scale in Diagram 1 below, we can play 7 of the 8 diatonic
intervals. (We have to break out of this scale pattern to play the unison
and to play an alternative fingering for the major 2nd.) Try playing these intervals
now.
Diagram 1 - The C Major Scale
Diagram 2a - a Major 2nd (C to D)
If you would like to play these two notes at the same time, try this fingering...
Diagram 2b - a Major 2nd (C to D)
Diagram 3 - a Major 3rd (C to E)
Diagram 4 - a Perfect 4th (C to F)
Diagram 5 - a Perfect 5th (C to G)
Diagram 6 - a Major 6th (C to A)
Diagram 7 - a Major 7th (C to B)
Diagram 8 - a Perfect 8th or Octave (C to C)
And now for the unison which is quite a stretch...
Diagram 9 - A Perfect 1st or Unison (C to C)
Now try using the scale pattern in Diagram 1 to play these intervals up an octave.
No alternate fingerings will be required to do this. (You will, however, have to find a
way to play the unison up an octave by going out of the pattern. It will be a similar
stretch as in Diagram 9, but on the "B" and high "E" strings of the guitar.) Good luck!