6

Simple/Compound intervals

The intervals described so far, all of which encompass an octave or less, are called simple intervals. Intervals that encompass more than an octave are called compound intervals. Compound intervals are described in terms of their exact sizes, such as ninths, tenths, and twelfths.

Sometimes it is more convenient to label them as compound versions of their related simple intervals (the compound interval spelled within an octave).

Compound intervals retain the same quality (e.g., augmented) as their related simple intervals.