What is the interval between a D and a B?

To determine the interval between the notes D and B, we start by counting the distance between the two notes.

First, identify the notes in a stepwise fashion: D to E (1 step), E to F# (2 steps), F# to G (3 steps), G to A (4 steps), A to B (5 steps). Thus, from D to B spans five letter names: D, E, F#, G, A, and B.

Next, we must also consider whether the interval is major or minor. In this case, the distance that we calculated is a sixth, because there are six letter names between D and B, including D and B themselves.

To classify the quality of the interval, we look at the specific pitches: D is the tonic in the key of D major, and B is the major sixth scale degree. Since both notes are within the diatonic scale of D major (with B being the major sixth above D), this confirms the interval as a major sixth.

Thus, the interval between D and B is correctly identified as a major sixth, aligning with the characteristics of major intervals. Understanding the steps involved in counting the notes and recognizing their relationships in the scale ensures a solid grasp