Major & Minor Intervals
Four interval numbers — the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th — can each be major or minor, one semitone apart. Learn the chart, then train your ear to hear the difference.
Which intervals get "major" and "minor"?
Only four interval numbers come in major and minor flavors: the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th. The unison, 4th, 5th, and octave are called perfect instead — they don't shrink or grow between major and minor scales, so they get their own label entirely.
The major/minor interval chart
| Number | Minor (semitones) | Major (semitones) |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | 1 (m2) | 2 (M2) |
| 3rd | 3 (m3) | 4 (M3) |
| 6th | 8 (m6) | 9 (M6) |
| 7th | 10 (m7) | 11 (M7) |
Notice the pattern: minor is always exactly one semitone smaller than major for the same number. Once that clicks, you only need to memorize the major version of each and subtract a semitone to get minor.
Common questions
Which interval numbers can be major or minor?
Only the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th. Unisons, 4ths, 5ths, and octaves are perfect intervals instead.
How many semitones is a minor 3rd vs a major 3rd?
A minor 3rd is 3 semitones; a major 3rd is 4. Minor is always one semitone smaller than the matching major interval.
What is a good way to memorize major and minor intervals by ear?
Attach each to a familiar song's opening: major 3rd = "Kumbaya", minor 3rd = "Greensleeves", major 6th = "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean", minor 7th = the "Star Trek" theme.
Why are 4ths and 5ths called perfect instead of major?
Perfect intervals have simple frequency ratios and stay the same size in both major and minor scales, which historically made them sound especially stable and consonant.
Train your ear for real
Melody Monkey's Ear Training tool drills intervals and chords — and rewards correct answers with credits.
Open the ear trainer →Still stuck? Ask Your Personal Music Teacher about Major & Minor Intervals →