Third
An interval spanning three diatonic scale degrees
Category
intervals
Pronunciation
THURD
Origin
Old English
Length
79 words · 1 min read
About Third
Thirds come in two principal forms: major (four semitones) and minor (three semitones). They are the intervals that determine whether a chord sounds major or minor, making them arguably the most emotionally significant intervals in Western music.
More intervals terms
Perfect Fifth
View all intervalsterms →An interval of seven semitones
Minor ThirdAn interval spanning three semitones, often described as having a dark, melancholic, or tender quality.
Whole toneAn interval spanning two semitones, equivalent to a major second.
Minor SeventhAn interval spanning ten semitones, central to dominant seventh chords and the blues sound.
OctaveThe interval spanning eight diatonic scale degrees
v1 · 09/04/2026Browse all terms →