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
Major Sixth
View all intervalsterms →An interval spanning nine semitones, often described as warm, open, and gently uplifting.
Minor SecondAn interval spanning one semitone, the smallest step in standard Western music.
Perfect FourthAn interval spanning five semitones, historically treated as both consonant and dissonant depending on context.
Minor ThirdAn interval spanning three semitones, often described as having a dark, melancholic, or tender quality.
TritoneAn interval of six semitones — exactly half an octave
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →