Major Third
An interval spanning four semitones, often perceived as bright, warm, and optimistic in character.
Category
intervals
Pronunciation
/ˈmeɪdʒə θɜːd/
Origin
Latin (tertius, third)
Length
207 words · 2 min read
About Major Third
The major third is the distance from C to E, or from F to A, and it is the interval that distinguishes a major chord from a minor chord. Its bright, stable quality forms the backbone of major tonality and is one of the first intervals most listeners learn to recognise.
More intervals terms
Augmented
View all intervalsterms →An interval that has been widened by one semitone beyond its major or perfect form.
Major SixthAn interval spanning nine semitones, often described as warm, open, and gently uplifting.
Major SecondAn interval spanning two semitones, equivalent to a whole tone or whole step.
ThirdAn interval spanning three diatonic scale degrees
OctaveThe interval spanning eight diatonic scale degrees
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →