Interval
Minor third
A minor third is 3 half steps: from C up to E♭.
- Half steps
- 3
- Symbol
- m3
- Sound
- Imperfect consonance: sweet, settled
Play it yourself
Tap any key, then the key 3 half steps higher.
Tap a first note.
Hear it in a song
You can hear a minor third in Greensleeves. Humming that tune is the quickest way to recognise the interval by ear.
A minor 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