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Melodic Intervals: These occur when notes are played consecutively, forming melodies. For example, the notes C to E form a major third interval.
Harmonic Intervals: These are produced when notes are played simultaneously, creating harmony.
Within an octave, Western music categorizes intervals based on two properties: quality and number. The quality can be perfect, major, minor, augmented, or diminished, while the number indicates the scale degree (for example, unison, second, third, etc.).
The half step, or semitone, is a crucial concept, particularly as it forms the basis for constructing larger intervals. The piano keyboard provides a clear visual reference, with important half steps occurring between B and C, and E and F.