major third

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The musical interval between two notes that are four semitones apart, such as C up to E.

   Grammar: Takes an or the: a major third; the major third between C and E.

   Patterns

   • a major third above something
   • a major third between something and something

   From C to E is a major third.

   The choir sang a major third above the melody.

   A major chord is built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth.

2. 2nouncountable

   The third note of a major scale, counted from the starting note.

   Grammar: Used when naming scale degrees: the major third of C is E.

   Patterns

   • the major third of something

   In the key of G, the major third is B.

   Lowering the major third of a chord by one semitone makes the chord sound minor.

Word forms

Common combinations

a major third above

Play the note a major third above middle C.

a major third below

The bass sings a major third below the tenor.

harmonize in major thirds

The two guitars harmonize in major thirds.

leap of a major third

The tune opens with a leap of a major third.

major third interval

The major third interval gives the chord a bright sound.

Synonyms and how they differ

ditone

Ditone is an older technical word for the same interval, built of two whole tones, and is rare outside early music theory.

Opposites

Word family

third noun

an interval spanning three note names

minor third noun

an interval of three semitones

major adjective

describing a larger interval or bright-sounding key

Commonly confused: major third or minor third?

Practice

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