Minor third interval
The minor third interval consists of two notes with a whole and a half steps distance. For example, C to Eb note will result in this musical interval.
The minor third interval is abbreviated m3 whereas the major third is abbreviated M3. The minor third and augmented second (A2) are enharmonic equivalents, meaning they sound the same but are written differently in notation. A minor tenth interval is the same as minor third on next interval (it is also called a compound minor third).
A minor third with C to Eb on the keyboard.
Listen to the minor third interval (C-Eb):
In scales, this interval is relative common and can, for example, be found in the Harmonic Minor and the Minor Pentatonic. The minor third is also common in blues and a part of both minor and major Pentatonic blues scales.
The third is the interval that decides if a chord has a major or minor quality. Chords with a minor third interval between the first and second notes are in general minor chords. For example, Cm consisting of the notes C, Eb, G and Cm7 consisting of the notes C, Eb, G, Bb.
To recognize this interval by ear, associate it familiar songs whose beginning notes match. Examples with the minor third are "Greensleeves" (ascending) and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" (descending).
Ascending minor third intervals
A list of ascending minor third intervals:
- C – 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 – C#/Db
- B – D
Descending minor third intervals
A list of descending minor third intervals:
- C#/Db – A#/Bb
- D – B
- D#/Eb – C
- E – C#/Db
- F – D
- F#/Gb – D#/Eb
- G – E
- G#/Ab – F
- A – F#/Gb
- A#/Bb – G
- B – G#/Ab
- C – A
Enharmonic notes such as Cb and Fb are omitted.
Read more about intervals and use the interactive Piano Interval Finder tool.