Interval
Major third
A major third is 4 half steps (2 whole steps): from C up to E.
- Half steps
- 4
- Symbol
- M3
- Sound
- Imperfect consonance: sweet, settled
Play it yourself
Tap any key, then the key 4 half steps higher.
Tap a first note.
Hear it in a song
You can hear a major third in When the Saints Go Marching In. Humming that tune is the quickest way to recognise the interval by ear.
A major third from every note
The letter names follow the interval's number, so a third always skips one letter, even when a sharp or flat is needed.
- C – E
- C♯ – E♯
- D – F♯
- E♭ – G
- E – G♯
- F – A
- F♯ – A♯
- G – B
- A♭ – C
- A – C♯
- B♭ – D
- B – D♯