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Major Second and Minor Second; Major Third and Minor Third
Here’s how each interval gets its name:
- Major Second and Minor Second: Both named for the second note of the major scale. The major second is an interval of a whole tone. The minor second is an interval of a semitone.
- Major Third and Minor Third: Both named for the third note of the major scale. The major third is an interval of four semitones. The minor third is a semitone less, at three semitones.
MINOR CONFUSION
Yet Another Potential Point of Confusion: The term “minor,” when referring to intervals (such as “minor third”), has a different meaning from the term “minor” when referring to keys, (such as “key of D minor”). Chapter 5 discusses keys.
If you confuse the meanings of “minor interval” and “minor key,” you’re apt to get lost.
If you were to get lost, Marshal Puma would probably conscript Deputy Fester and Doc Yada-Yadams to saddle up and fetch you back. Deputy Fester never learned to ride so good and nobody can figure out how he got to be a deputy. As for Doc, he’s three-fifths drunk, 80% of the time and can’t stay on his horse unless somebody does up his seat belt for him. Neither Fester nor Doc would be much good in a search party. So, if you steer clear of any confusion about minor intervals and the minor keys, you’ll stay found.