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Major
and Minor Thirds
In learning to
distinguish major from minor, a good place to start is with
major and minor thirds. Here are the basic definitions
of major and minor thirds, borrowed from the Sonic Glossary
entry Third.
The Major Third
Audio
Example 1: the major third sounded (1) successively, (2)
simultaneously
The interval sounds smooth and free of tension. That is
to say, it is a consonant interval. It conveys a feeling of
stability. The distance between the two notes of a major third
comprises two whole-steps.
2
whole-steps (= 4
half-steps)
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The
Minor Third
Audio
Example 2: the minor third sounded (1) successively, (2)
simultaneously
Like the major third, this interval sounds smooth and
free of tension -- consonant -- though it perhaps sounds
a little less out-going, a little more somber, than the major
third. The distance between the two notes of a minor
third comprises one whole-step and one half-step.
| 1
whole-step + 1
half-step ( = 3
half-steps) |
Hearing
Major and Minor Thirds
That's really all there is (conceptually) to major and
minor thirds. The important part is learning to distinguish
them; for some of you that will mean developing a very new
kind of skill. Listen repeatedly to the examples of major
and minor thirds below. The tones are presented both successively
and simultaneously; you should be familiar with both forms.
When you feel that you can tell the difference between the
examples below, go on to the training environment for major
and minor thirds.
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