Major & Minor 3rd
Major vs. minor — the defining difference
Prove it — just do the practice exercise.
C → E 4 semitones
C (root) → E (Maj 3rd)
The third is the most important interval:
• Major 3rd = 4 semitones → defines major character
• Minor 3rd = 3 semitones → defines minor character
Example: C → E = major 3rd (major)
C → Eb = minor 3rd (minor)
Every chord contains a third — it tells you whether it's major or minor.
• Major 3rd = 4 semitones → defines major character
• Minor 3rd = 3 semitones → defines minor character
Example: C → E = major 3rd (major)
C → Eb = minor 3rd (minor)
Every chord contains a third — it tells you whether it's major or minor.