Minor Third Interval

1Composition: what it contains

Semitones

3

Abbreviation

m3

Inversion

major sixth

Consonance

imperfect consonance

2Appearance: diagrams and sound

3Indications: what it is used for

The minor third between root and third defines minor chords; it also stacks to form diminished triads and diminished seventh chords, and sits between the third and fifth of a major triad. Melodically it is the core of the minor pentatonic and blues scales, and of countless children's chants and playground calls. Relative major and minor keys are a minor third apart, so it is also central to key relationships.

4Dosage: how to practise it

On guitar, three frets on one string, or two frets lower on the next higher string (one fret lower across the third and second strings). On piano, count three half steps. Sing the first and third notes of a minor scale. Use an ear trainer three to five minutes daily, comparing minor and major thirds side by side. Arpeggiate minor and diminished chords and listen for the stacked minor thirds.

Train it in the ear trainer

5Warnings and common mistakes

Do not confuse it with the augmented second, which sounds the same but uses adjacent letter names (as in harmonic minor's sixth to seventh degree). The minor third is often sung too flat or too wide; check with a reference. Do not confuse the 'blue' minor third bent toward the major third with a true minor third. In major chords, the minor third appears between the third and fifth, so do not assume it means minor.

6Other presentations available

• Perfect Unison Interval
• Minor Second Interval
• Major Second Interval
• Major 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