MusicDictionary.dev

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.
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →