How are major intervals changed when they are inverted?
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When a major interval is inverted in music, it becomes a minor interval.1
In the major-minor system, an interval is inverted by moving its lower pitch up an octave so that it becomes the higher pitch. This process reveals the complementary relationship between specific interval types:1
- Major intervals become minor intervals (and vice versa).1
- Augmented intervals become diminished intervals (and vice versa).1
- Perfect intervals remain perfect.1
For example, a major second (such as C–D) inverts to become a minor seventh (D–C). This principle of inversion is fundamental to understanding how musical elements are rearranged to create harmonic and melodic variety.12