In the standard octave numbering scheme, is the interval between C[N] and C-flat[N] a diminished prime or a diminished octave?

Question

In other words, does the flat modify C[N] or does it modify the next C up, i.e., C[N+1]?

Related: Does a diminished first exist? – Richard Sep 06 '19 at 10:03 — Richard, Sep 06 '19 at 10:03
In either case the interval is the same, a half step. – Sep 06 '19 at 17:58 — , Sep 06 '19 at 17:58

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 05 '19 at 21:55

2

More like an augmented prime since you have the same letter. Apparently you are mixing up primes and seconds. At any rate any accidental modifies the note behind it.

Strictly speaking C♭6 is in a higher octave than B♯5 even though it's a lower pitch.

answered Sep 05 '19 at 21:55

Thanks! I have already modified the title. Does there even exist such a thing as a diminished prime, by the way? – Kim Fierens Sep 05 '19 at 21:57
1

Since distances are named "in absolute" (there is no negative second or such) and prime is already 0, I don't think a diminished prime would make sense. – Sep 05 '19 at 22:10

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 06 '19 at 01:45

Melodic intervals are always measured from the lower note to the higher note, no matter which note comes first.

So yes, if the intervals between Cb and C is just a semitone apart, it’s an augmented prime.

Cb to Cb: perfect prime
Cb to C: one semitone bigger —> aug.

If the interval between Cb and C is one semitone greater than an octave, then it’s an augmented octave. :)

In the standard octave numbering scheme, is the interval between C[N] and C-flat[N] a diminished prime or a diminished octave?

2 Answers2