Music Theory: Introduction to Perfect Fourths
- Mar 25
- 1 min read
If you’re on the verge of begging for an easy theory lesson, I don’t blame you! Intervals are hard, and thirds were a huge bite to chew. Don’t worry though, this week will be quick, easy, and relatively painless.
If you're just joining us, be sure to go and read our articles on seconds and thirds before diving into fourths!
So, what’s after minor and major thirds? Minor and major fourths? Not quite—that would be too simple. However, in a weird way, the reality is even simpler: The next interval is just called a perfect fourth. That’s it! That’s the only fourth (sort of… but we’ll get to that next week). The perfect fourth is (frustratingly) 5 half steps wide.
The perfect fourth has a few great listening tricks we can use to remember it. One of my favorites is to hum the first two notes of “Here Comes the Bride.” If that’s not your style, try the first two notes of “Amazing Grace.” Same thing!
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Let’s use this opportunity to review the intervals and listening tricks we’ve learned so far. Scroll down to find a handy-dandy reference chart.
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