Major third
Four semitones. It is the third that makes a chord sound major — clear and open, usually heard as bright.
4 semitones Symbol M3 Imperfect consonance
Listen
See
C E
E
B
G M3
D 0
A
E
0 1234567
C → E
Where you have heard it
Ascending
Oh, When the Saints first two notes
Marcha nupcial opening
Descending
Beethoven — Quinta Sinfonia the three repeated notes and the leap
Summertime start of the melody
What it gets confused with
Frequently asked
How many semitones is a major third?
Four, for example between C and E.
How do I recognise it by ear?
It is the first two notes of "Oh, When the Saints" and the opening of the Wedding March — bright and open.
Why does it matter so much?
It is the third that makes a chord major. Swapping it for a minor third is the single change that flips the mood.
There is an exercise track dedicated to recognising this by ear.
Train this