Perfect fifth
Seven semitones, the most stable interval after the octave. It is the basis of fifths tuning and of major and minor chords.
7 semitones Symbol P5 Perfect consonance
Listen
See
C G
E
B
G P5
D 0
A
E
0 1234567
C → G
Where you have heard it
Ascending
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star first phrase into the second
Tema de Star Wars fanfare opening
Descending
The Flintstones start of the theme
Feelings opening notes
What it gets confused with
Frequently asked
How many semitones is a perfect fifth?
Seven, for example between C and G.
How do I recognise it by ear?
It is the jump between the first and second phrase of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", and the opening of the Star Wars fanfare — a firm leap with no tension.
Is it consonant or dissonant?
Perfectly consonant. Together with the octave it is the most stable interval, and it is the basis of tuning in fifths.
There is an exercise track dedicated to recognising this by ear.
Train this