Major & Minor Intervals

The Major/Minor Group

Seconds (2), Thirds (3), Sixths (6), and Sevenths (7) come in two main flavors: Major (larger) and Minor (smaller). A Major interval is one half-step larger than its Minor counterpart.

Changing Quality

If you take a Major 3rd (e.g., C to E) and lower the top note by a half step (C to Eb), it becomes a Minor 3rd. Perfect intervals don't become 'Minor' when lowered; they behave differently!

The Key Signature Shortcut (No semitone counting)

To identify an interval quickly without counting semitones one by one, use the major scale of the lower note:

1. Pretend the lower note is the tonic (key) of a major scale.

2. Check if the upper note belongs to that major scale:

If it belongs to the major scale:

The interval is MAJOR (for 2nds, 3rds, 6ths, 7ths) or PERFECT (for unisons, 4ths, 5ths, octaves).

If the upper note is lowered by a semitone:

The interval is MINOR (or diminished if it was perfect).

Example: To identify C to Eb: the third note in C Major is E natural. Since we have Eb (one semitone lower), we instantly know it is a Minor 3rd.

Summary

Remember the grouping: 2, 3, 6, 7 are Major or Minor. A single half-step changes their quality and emotion.

1. Select a Key (Lower Note):

The scale note is {{scaleNote}}. Lowering it by a half step gives {{target}}, therefore it is a {{interval}}.

Since the note {{target}} belongs to the {{keyName}} scale, the interval is a {{interval}}.