Minor third
Three semitones, one below the major third. It gives a chord its minor quality; contrasting it directly with the major third is the best way to lock it in.
3 semitones Symbol m3 Imperfect consonance
Listen
See
C
E
B
G
D 0 m3
A
E
0 1234567
C → E♭
Where you have heard it
Ascending
Greensleeves opening notes
Smoke on the Water opening riff
Descending
Hey Jude the first two notes
Frosty the Snowman opening
What it gets confused with
Frequently asked
How many semitones is a minor third?
Three, for example between A and C.
How do I recognise it by ear?
It opens Greensleeves and drives the Smoke on the Water riff — a leap that already sounds settled, but shaded dark.
Why does it matter so much?
It is the third that makes a chord minor. Every minor triad is built on it.
There is an exercise track dedicated to recognising this by ear.
Train this