The 5th in question here is the 5th note of the major scale (as well as some other scales/modes). Also called a "Perfect 5th" (don't ask). It is found 7 half-steps above the root, or 5 half-steps below the root. On the fretboard you may play it two frets higher on the next smallest string, or on the same fret on the next biggest string.
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Roots and Fifths
- Thread starter c4lvint1me
- Start date
The 5th in question here is the 5th note of the major scale (as well as some other scales/modes). Also called a "Perfect 5th" (don't ask). It is found 7 half-steps above the root, or 5 half-steps below the root. On the fretboard you may play it two frets higher on the next smallest string, or on the same fret on the next biggest string.
A perfect 5th has a frequency ratio of 3:2 (*)
A perfect 4th has a frequency ratio of 4:3 (*)
Coincidences of the harmonic series of the two notes that constitute the interval are different:
Perfect Fifth
2nd harmonic of 5th = 3rd harmonic of root
4th harmonic of 5th = 6th harmonic of root
6th harmonic of 5th = 9th harmonic of root
etc.
Perfect Fourth
3rd harmonic of 4th = 4th harmonic of root
6th harmonic of 4th = 8th harmonic of root
9th harmonic of 4th = 12th harmonic of root
(*) Note: while those ratios are exact for just intonation, they are slightly off for a modern equal tempered scale, in order to allow transposing.
A perfect 4th has a frequency ratio of 4:3 (*)
Coincidences of the harmonic series of the two notes that constitute the interval are different:
Perfect Fifth
2nd harmonic of 5th = 3rd harmonic of root
4th harmonic of 5th = 6th harmonic of root
6th harmonic of 5th = 9th harmonic of root
etc.
Perfect Fourth
3rd harmonic of 4th = 4th harmonic of root
6th harmonic of 4th = 8th harmonic of root
9th harmonic of 4th = 12th harmonic of root
(*) Note: while those ratios are exact for just intonation, they are slightly off for a modern equal tempered scale, in order to allow transposing.
Seems like I was on the spot. Just haven't strung these inversions together like this before.
There's something that should be clarified for a few of the posters in this thread. When we talk about "fifths" and "fourths" etc, we can use the terms in 2 distinct contexts: Intervals, or scale degrees.
An interval is the distance between the two notes. A perfect fifth interval is 7 half-steps, whether you're going up or down.
It's more useful to think about it in terms of scale degrees, which is the relationship to the root. An ascending perfect fifth is 7 half-steps up from the root. When you're descending, it's only 5 half-steps down. Why? Move the root an octave (12 frets) down. Then count up 7 half-steps. That's how you arrive at the lower fifth. When you're playing, say you're in the key of C. Every time you play a G (the fifth), it serves a specific function. That's why you need to know how to reach it, above or below the root.
EDIT: I thought I'd mention also, you should get your left hand used to playing root, fifth, and octave with ease. Once you find the right shape for your hand, you can play them very quickly and smoothly. I use my index finger on the root, ring finger on the fifth, and pinky on the octave. Best way to do it, as far as I know.
An interval is the distance between the two notes. A perfect fifth interval is 7 half-steps, whether you're going up or down.
It's more useful to think about it in terms of scale degrees, which is the relationship to the root. An ascending perfect fifth is 7 half-steps up from the root. When you're descending, it's only 5 half-steps down. Why? Move the root an octave (12 frets) down. Then count up 7 half-steps. That's how you arrive at the lower fifth. When you're playing, say you're in the key of C. Every time you play a G (the fifth), it serves a specific function. That's why you need to know how to reach it, above or below the root.
EDIT: I thought I'd mention also, you should get your left hand used to playing root, fifth, and octave with ease. Once you find the right shape for your hand, you can play them very quickly and smoothly. I use my index finger on the root, ring finger on the fifth, and pinky on the octave. Best way to do it, as far as I know.
