Parallel and Augmented Intervals

[Ron Ofir]

Yes, despite the fact that most people learn this as power chords (and in E rather than G) the part that Ritchie Blackmore originally played was parallel 4ths.

Well, they're inverted power chords, so it sounds kind of the same.

[stevel]

Originally Posted by Ron Ofir

Well, they're inverted power chords, so it sounds kind of the same.

Hmm. Doesn't that make them low power chords, or negative power chords, or something :-)

Steve

[Shiva]

It all depends on the style of music you are writing. Some non-western scales have an augmented 2nd interval (think "Hungarian" for example). Parallel 5ths generally speaking leap out at one. If you want that effect, fine, but be careful to avoid them during "traditional" harmonizations. They can add a sound that is not quite right to the ear in some cases.

The tritone (augmented 4th) appears fairly frequently in modern music - even in more popular music from time to time. I think it was ecclesiatical theory that avoided it. It has its uses.

In summary, use whatever is appropriate for the style of music you are writing, but be aware of what you are doing.