musical interval crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "musical interval crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "musical interval crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TONE: Also known as a whole step, a musical interval equal to two semitones.
5 Letters
FIFTH: An interval spanning five scale degrees, a fundamental consonance in music.
THIRD: An interval spanning three scale degrees, crucial for chord construction (e.g., major or minor).
6 Letters
OCTAVE: An interval of eight notes, often the same note but at a higher or lower pitch.
UNISON: The interval between two identical notes, played at the same pitch simultaneously.
7 Letters
TRITONE: A dissonant interval spanning three whole tones, also known as an augmented fourth or diminished fifth.
8 Letters
SEMITONE: The smallest musical interval in Western tonal music, often called a half step.
More About "musical interval crossword clue"
Musical intervals are fundamental building blocks in music theory, defining the distance between two notes. They are crucial for understanding harmony, melody, and how different sounds relate to each other. When you see a clue like "musical interval" in a crossword, the puzzle setter is often looking for specific, common intervals such as an OCTAVE, FIFTH, THIRD, or even smaller steps like a TONE or SEMITONE.
The beauty of musical intervals in crosswords lies in their precision. Each interval has a defined number of scale degrees it encompasses, making them excellent candidates for short, specific answers. For example, an octave implies eight notes, while a fifth implies five. Sometimes, the clue might hint at the quality of the interval (e.g., perfect, major, minor, augmented, diminished), but for general clues, the number-based intervals are most common.
Beyond simply knowing the names, understanding the concept enriches your appreciation for both music and crosswords. It's a prime example of how specific domain knowledge can be the key to unlocking tricky clues and completing your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For musical terms, consider if the clue hints at a specific instrument, genre, or composer. This can narrow down the type of musical vocabulary needed.
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the given letter count. Musical terms can vary in length, and knowing the exact number is often the most critical piece of information for interval clues.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While "OCTAVE" might be the first thought, also consider "FIFTH," "THIRD," "UNISON," or even "TONE" and "SEMITONE." Crossword setters love to use lesser-known but equally valid terms.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Some musical terms might involve common prefixes or suffixes (e.g., semi-tone). This can help piece together longer answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a musical crossword clue?
When encountering a musical crossword clue, consider common terms for instruments, musical forms, or specific musical concepts like intervals. Think about the required letter count and common synonyms or related terms in music theory. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a specific era or genre.
Why are there multiple answers for one crossword clue?
Crossword clues can often have multiple valid answers due to synonyms, different interpretations, or variations in the specific crossword puzzle's theme or difficulty. The surrounding letters in the grid usually help narrow down the correct word for that particular puzzle.
How can understanding musical intervals help my crossword solving?
Understanding musical intervals provides a vocabulary of specific, precise terms that frequently appear in music-themed crosswords. Knowing terms like 'OCTAVE', 'FIFTH', 'THIRD', 'UNISON', 'TONE', or 'SEMITONE' immediately gives you potential answers, especially when combined with letter counts.