Originally Posted by: Whune

but is m5 technically correct; because flat has to do with pitch; not scale degree... right?

No. :)[br][br]Flat does mean lower in pitch. But the major scale is the standard unit of measurement. So, typically the terms major or minor are reserved for the scale degrees that differ in major and minor scales.

major & minor 3rd

major & minor 6th

major & minor 7th

The term reserved for the other degrees is perfect.

perfect unison

perfect 4th

perfect 5th

perfect octave

To alter these we typically use the terms flat (or diminished), sharp (or augmented).

To confuse matters, the lowered or flat 2nd is occasionally referred to as minor or diminished. Some of this had to do with measuring the halfstep between other scale degrees. For example, the distance between the 2nd & major 3rd is a whole step or a major second, but the distance between the major 3rd & 4th is a halfstep or a minor second.

See here for more.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interval_(music)#Alternative_interval_naming_conventions

I don't think it's a big deal to call it a minor 5th if that helps you conceptually organize. But you should be aware of the standard naming conventions when you communicate with other musicians.

Hope that helps!