In the next lesson, you will hear Major 6ths played descending (downward) and attempt to play them on your instrument.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/09/major_6th_down_notation.jpg)
Large descending intervals can be challenging to recognize by ear.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/09/major6_minor3_inversion.jpg)
One trick is to think in terms of inversions.
For example, the inversion of a Major 6th is a Minor 3rd.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/09/major6_minor3_inversion.jpg)
When you hear a descending Major 6th, try to imagine you are actually hearing an ascending Minor 3rd, only an octave lower.
When you hear this:
Major 6th – Down |
|
Imagine this:
Minor 3rd – Up |
In other words, starting on A and going down a Major 6th or up a Minor 3rd both take you to C.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/09/ac_maj6_min3.jpg)
Therefore these two intervals have similar emotional qualities.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/09/ac_maj6_min3.jpg)
Please press the Exercise button below.