4 semitones · pure 5:4
The major third
Four semitones, the third that makes a chord major. It sounds bright and settled, and in harmony it's the interval singers tune most carefully.
Songs that start with a major third
Going up: When the Saints Go Marching In ("Oh when the"), from its first note to its second. Going down: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, from "Swing" to "low".
Why choirs sing the major third low
A pure major third is 5:4, 386 cents (a cent is a hundredth of a semitone), almost 14 cents narrower than a piano's 400. When a choir holds a major chord and it suddenly rings, the singer on the third has usually eased it down toward that pure third. Switch to Pure here to hear the calmer sound.
More intervals
- Minor secondOde to Joy (after the repeated first note)
- Major secondHappy Birthday (after the repeated first note)
- Minor thirdGreensleeves
- Perfect fourthAmazing Grace; Here Comes the Bride
- Tritone
- Perfect fifthTwinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (after the repeated first note)
- Minor sixthThe Entertainer (its first high note)
- Major sixthMy Bonnie Lies over the Ocean
- Minor seventh
- Major seventh
- OctaveTake Me Out to the Ball Game
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Questions
What is a major third?
An interval of four semitones: C to E, or G to B. It's the bottom third of a major chord.
Why does a piano's major third sound slightly rough?
It's about 14 cents wider than the pure 5:4, so its notes beat gently against each other. Equal temperament accepts that so every key works on one keyboard.
How many semitones is a major third?
Four, two whole steps: do to re to mi.
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