Lesson 6
The Perfect Fifth
P5
Naming
The Perfect Fifth(P5), gets its' name because one note of the interval is the fifth note of a major scale (ascending or descending) beginning on the other note of the interval, and is exactly seven semitones higher or lower than the other note.Frequency Relationship
The frequency of vibration of the higher note is 1.5 times that of the lower.Ratio 3:2
200hz <<< lower <<< 300hz >>> higher >>> 450hz
Note-name Relationship
F <<< P5 lower <<< C >>> P5 higher >>> GHarmonic Effects
When played harmonically, the Perfect 5th demonstrates tonal focus and harmonic strength based on the lower of the two notes of the interval. The sound is a very open sound, but it is also very focused on the lower note.Melodic Effects
When played melodically, the perfect fifth pushes the melody toward the lower of the two notes. The lower note becomes the focus of the melody. Playing this interval in the bass brings tonal focus and finality to the music.Tonal Relationships and Usages
The perfect fifth is used as the anchor to tonality. Playing a perfect fifth above any note points tonality to that note. The perfect fifth is also used to finish a piece of music or phrase.Inversion:
Perfect FourthNext Lesson
The Perfect Fourth
