Major seventh the same number of staff positions, but consist of a different number of semitones (nine and twelve). The easiest way to locate and identify the major seventh is from the octave rather than the unison, and it is suggested that one sings the octave first. For example, the most commonly cited example of a melody featuring a major seventh is the tonic-octave-major seventh of the opening to "(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow". "Not many songwriters begin a melody with a major seventh interval; perhaps that's why there are few memorable examples." However, two songs provide exceptions to this generalisation: Cole Porter's
Rule of the octave the major and minor scales are recorded. One example for the major scale by John Hiles: <score vorbis="1"> \new PianoStaff « </score> Rule of the octave The rule of the octave is a way of harmonizing each note of the diatonic scale, reflecting common practice, and has its origin in the practice of thorough bass, or basso continuo. The rule of the octave also formed the cornerstone of the "regole" (rules) of partimento collections. The rule of the octave was first mentioned in the 17th century in treatises for thorough bass written for lute-like instruments. There is normally a different