Inversion of Intervals

To invert an interval, place the lower note one octave higher or the highest note an octave lower:

In the following tables you can see how an interval is transformed when inverted:

Interval: after inversion
becomes:

2^nd 7^th

3^rd 6^th

4^th 5^th

5^th 4^th

6^th 3^rd

7^th 2^nd

Interval quality: after inversion becomes:

major minor

minor major

augmented diminished

diminished augmented

perfect perfect

The inversion of intervals is very useful in analyzing sixths and sevenths. See Identifying Intervals by Using Inversions.

Examples of interval inversions:

English version revised by Sue Talley