Minor sixth
Eight semitones. Darker than the major sixth, with a nostalgic edge; it is the characteristic leap of many minor-mode melodies.
8 semitones Symbol m6 Imperfect consonance
Listen
See
C
E
B m6
G
D 0
A
E
0 1234567
C → A♭
Where you have heard it
Ascending
The Entertainer theme leap
Love Story opening
Descending
Love Story descent of the theme
Five for Fighting — 100 Years opening notes
What it gets confused with
Frequently asked
How many semitones is a minor sixth?
Eight, for example between E and C.
How do I recognise it by ear?
It is the leap in the theme of "The Entertainer" and the opening of the Love Story theme — wide and a little melancholy.
What is its inversion?
The major third. Minor sixth and major third are the same pair of notes seen from opposite ends.
There is an exercise track dedicated to recognising this by ear.
Train this