Perfect Fifths

A Perfect Fifth is the distance between the first and 5th notes of the scale.

Perfect fifths have a strong, pure sound, hence the name “Perfect”.

A Perfect 5th is also equivalent to 7 half steps or semitones.

Almost any starting point in the scale will yield a Perfect 5th.

The only exception is when the lower note is on the 7th (last) degree of the major scale.

This produces a so called “Diminished 5th” or “Flat 5” because it spans only 6 half steps instead of 7.

Please press the Exercise button below.