FOUNDATIONS · 6 MIN SUGGESTED
Major & Minor Thirds on Guitar
Major and minor describe an interval or chord quality, not its volume or speed.
Major and minor thirds · By Vincent Iannone · Updated
What is the difference between a major and a minor third?
A major third spans four semitones and a minor third spans three, so on one guitar string they are four frets and three frets apart. Above C, E is a major third and E♭ is a minor third. The third is the note that decides whether a chord is major or minor: C–E–G is a C major triad, and lowering only E to E♭ gives C minor. "Major" and "minor" therefore describe the interval or the chord quality, not its volume, speed or mood. On neighbouring strings a major third usually sits one fret behind the lower note, and a minor third two frets behind; across the G and B strings, add one fret to each of those shapes. Changing only the third while the root and fifth stay put is the clearest way to hear the difference.
The idea
The third tells you whether a triad is major or minor. Above C, E is a major third (four frets) and Eb is a minor third (three frets). Keep C and G still while changing only the third.
Put it under your fingers
- On string 5 play C3 at fret 3, then E3 at fret 7.
- Return to C3, then play Eb3 at fret 6. Sing the difference.
- Compare Cm7 with C7: Eb rises to E while Bb stays fixed. Then compare C7 with Cmaj7 to hear only Bb rise to B.
One fret changes the third
C3-E3 is a major third. Return to C3 and lower the upper note one fret to Eb3 for a minor third.
Sounding notes: C3 → E3 → C3 → Eb3.
| # | Sounding note | Move from the previous note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C3 | Starting note |
| 2 | E3 | Up 4 semitones |
| 3 | C3 | Down 4 semitones |
| 4 | Eb3 | Up 3 semitones |
Make it yours
Sing a minor third above C before playing Eb. Use your ears first and the fretboard second.