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Minor second

One semitone, the smallest distance in equal temperament. Tense and close; it is the interval of suspense.

1 semitone Symbol m2 Dissonance

Listen

See

C → D♭

Where you have heard it

Ascending

Tema de Tubarão the two alternating notes

Für Elise opening

Descending

Joy to the World the first two notes

Für Elise descent of the theme

What it gets confused with

Major second One semitone wider, and much calmer. Telling the two apart is the first real test of the ear. Unison The minor second is the smallest possible movement — mistaking it for a unison means you heard no movement at all.

Frequently asked

How many semitones is a minor second?

One — the smallest distance in the twelve-tone system, for example between E and F.

How do I recognise it by ear?

It is the two alternating notes of the Jaws theme, and the opening of Für Elise. It sounds tight and unresolved.

Is it consonant or dissonant?

Dissonant, and the sharpest of the small intervals. Its inversion is the major seventh, which is dissonant for the same reason.

There is an exercise track dedicated to recognising this by ear.

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