Major Third Interval

1Composition: what it contains

Semitones

4

Abbreviation

M3

Inversion

minor sixth

Consonance

imperfect consonance

2Appearance: diagrams and sound

3Indications: what it is used for

The major third from root to third defines major and dominant chords, and two stacked major thirds form the augmented triad. It lies between the third and fifth of a minor triad. Melodically it opens many fanfares and bugle calls, and it is the backbone of harmonised melodies in thirds in country, folk and pop. In tuning, the equal-tempered major third is noticeably wider than the pure one, which affects how chords sound.

4Dosage: how to practise it

On guitar, four frets on one string or one fret lower on the next higher string (same fret across the third and second strings). On piano, four half steps. Sing the first three notes of a major scale and then the first and third alone. Train it with an ear trainer for three to five minutes daily, alternating with the minor third. Play harmonised scales in thirds and listen for major versus minor thirds.

Train it in the ear trainer

5Warnings and common mistakes

Do not confuse it with a diminished fourth, which sounds the same but uses letters four apart. Beginners often hear the major third on top of a major chord as 'the chord', so practise it in isolation. Equal-tempered major thirds sound slightly wide; singers and string players may tune it lower in harmony. Do not confuse major third (interval) with 'third degree' (scale position).

6Other presentations available

• Perfect Unison Interval
• Minor Second Interval
• Major Second Interval
• Minor Third Interval
• Perfect Fourth Interval
• Tritone Interval
• Perfect Fifth Interval
• Minor Sixth Interval
• Major Sixth Interval
• Minor Seventh Interval
• Major Seventh Interval
• Perfect Octave Interval