In this video

In this lesson we're looking at the evil-sounding Augmented 4th interval! This is one of the most distinctive intervals we can play. It is also known as a Diminished 5th - these are the same interval, but the context of the note in a piece of music determines which term you use.

Lesson aims

  1. Play the Augmented 4th interval and familiarise yourself with the sound of it
  2. Check out songs that use this interval (including The Simpsons theme, Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath, Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix, and Danse Macabre)
  3. See if you can find this interval in songs you know!

A Blues Scale

This is the A blues scale, with the Augmented 4th note marked in red. If you take away this note, the notes that are left (in blue) make the pentatonic scale.

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Next Up: Minor 6th Interval

Well done! Let's jump into the next video of the course.

Recommended Songs

The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Coldplay - All lead parts from Yellow

Coldplay - All lead parts from Yellow

The Kinks - You Really Got Me

The Kinks - You Really Got Me

Cocaine - Eric Clapton

Cocaine - Eric Clapton

Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb

Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb

Guns N Roses - November Rain

Guns N Roses - November Rain

Guns N Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine [Solos]

Guns N Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine [Solos]

The Beatles - Drive My Car

The Beatles - Drive My Car

The Beatles - Get Back (solos and riffs)

The Beatles - Get Back (solos and riffs)