Minor Third
An interval spanning three semitones, often described as having a dark, melancholic, or tender quality.
Category
intervals
Pronunciation
/ˈmaɪnə θɜːd/
Origin
Latin (tertius, third)
Length
200 words · 1 min read
About Minor Third
The minor third is the interval from C to E-flat, or from A to C, and it is the defining interval of the minor triad and minor tonality. Its characteristic sound — often described as sad, wistful, or introspective — pervades countless melodies and harmonies across all genres.
More intervals terms
Minor Sixth
View all intervalsterms →An interval spanning eight semitones, with a bittersweet quality often used in expressive melodic writing.
Major ThirdAn interval spanning four semitones, often perceived as bright, warm, and optimistic in character.
Major SixthAn interval spanning nine semitones, often described as warm, open, and gently uplifting.
Minor SeventhAn interval spanning ten semitones, central to dominant seventh chords and the blues sound.
Whole toneAn interval spanning two semitones, equivalent to a major second.
Antonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →