Stuck at minor second / major second harmonic

[Remcoremcoremco]

I'm stuck,

I cannot hear the difference in major and minor second harmonically. Sometimes I have only 5 of the 20 correct. This at least means I must hear some difference, but give the answers in the wrong way.

Melodically I can identify them well.

Can anyone give me a hint to start hearing them? Can someone describe how a major second sounds? I think a major second sounds ugly. But it depends on the octave too. By the way, I also think a minor second sounds ugly. So uglyness is not a good criterion for me I guess!

Anyone an idea how to handle this?

Thanks!
Remco

[Quentin]

Hi Remco,

minor 2nd is much more dissonant than Major 2nd. You can hear the frequencies of the two notes clash and vibrate in a strange creepy way. Major 2nd, even though it is ugly as you describe, sounds a tad more melodious.

[Quentin]

I know it is only for melodic intervals, but remember to check our interval reference song chart at www.earmaster.com/intervalsongs/ for the next lessons if you feel lost with specific intervals.

[Remcoremcoremco]

Thanks,

For the Dutch earmaster trainers: The Wilhelmus starts with a 4th!

[Quentin]

Thanks, you just made Martijn, our new Dutch programmer, happy

[Remcoremcoremco]

Improving now. What helps me is: minor second harmonic sounds as if the sound is ''confused''. Major second harmonic doesnt sound too good either, but not that "confused''.

Hope it helps anyone...