Minor Third
Definition & Properties
The minor third creates a dark, somewhat sad consonance. It is the defining interval of the minor triad and natural minor scale, central to minor key harmony in all musical traditions.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | m3 |
| Semitones | 3 |
| Quality | Minor |
| Just Ratio | 6:5 |
| Cents from Equal | +15.64 |
| Harmonic Character | soft consonance |
Ear Training Reference
The Minor Third (m3) is commonly recognized by the ascending motion of: Smoke on the Water riff; Fuer Elise.
Practice direction: ascending — sing from the lower note up by 3 semitones.
Note Pair Examples
| Note 1 | Note 2 | Interval | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | D# | Minor Third | 3 |
| G | A# | Minor Third | 3 |
| D | F | Minor Third | 3 |
| F | G# | Minor Third | 3 |
Intonation by Temperament
The Minor Third measures 6:5 in just intonation (+15.64 cents from equal temperament). This deviation affects ensemble tuning and instrument voicing.
| Temperament | C4 (Hz) | D#4 (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Equal Temperament | 261.626 | 311.127 |
| Pythagorean | 260.740 | 309.026 |
| Just Intonation | 261.626 | 313.951 |
Instrument Tuning Context
Intervals smaller than a perfect fifth (3 semitones) are most sensitive to tuning in ensemble playing. Wind and string players adjust embouchure and finger pressure to lock in pure ratios.
Chords & Scales Containing This Interval
Chords
These chord types contain the Minor Third as a characteristic interval:
Scales
These scales include the Minor Third as a structural interval: