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Major or minor third
One more look at what you missed.
A third skips over one note name.
C to E skips D, and A to C skips B. Thirds come in two sizes, three or four half steps.
Four half steps, then three.
Four half steps make a major third. Three make a minor third.
No sound? Check your volume, and that your phone is not on silent.
Count the half steps from C to E, then E to G.
C to E is four half steps: a major third. E to G is three: a minor third.
The major third sounds bright, the minor third darker.
That colour is a faster clue than counting.
One tune for each third.
When the Saints Go Marching In opens with a major third. Greensleeves opens with a minor third.
Bright like the Saints: major 3rd. Darker like Greensleeves: minor 3rd.
If you hesitate, sing a tune in your head.
Start it on the first note you heard. If the Saints fits, it is major; if Greensleeves fits, it is minor.
Bright or dark: which third is this?
You can tell the two thirds apart.
What you learned
- A third skips over one note name.
- A major third is four half steps and sounds bright.
- A minor third is three half steps and sounds darker.
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Each try makes the next one easier.