Major second interval
The major second interval consists of two notes with one whole step distance. For example, C to D note will result in this musical interval.
The major second interval is abbreviated M2 whereas the minor second is abbreviated m2. An alternate spelling of major second is diminished third.
A major second with C to D on the keyboard.
Listen to major second interval (C-D):
In scales, this interval is the most frequent. In major scales, the major second interval is represented five times. For example, in C Major (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) the major seconds are C-D, D-E, F-G, G-A and A-B.
The major second is also present in some chords, such as sus2 and add2. The number two are pointing out that a second interval is included in the chord. For example, Csus2 consists of the notes C, D, G.
To being able to distinguish this interval by ear, a good idea is to think about familiar songs which first notes match. M2 ascending examples are "Brother John" and "Silent Night".
Ascending major second intervals
A list with ascending major second intervals:
- C – D
- C#/Db – D#/Eb
- D – E
- D#/Eb – F
- E – F#
- F – G
- F#/Gb – G#/Ab
- G – A
- G#/Ab – A#/Bb
- A – B
- A#/Bb – C
- B – C#
Descending major second intervals
A list with descending major second intervals:
- C#/Db – B
- D – C
- D#/Eb – C#/Db
- E – D
- F – D#/Eb
- F#/Gb – E
- G – F
- G#/Ab – F#/Gb
- A – G
- A#/Bb – G#/Ab
- B – A
- C – A#/Bb
Enharmonic notes such as Cb and Fb are leaved out.