Ear Training Playlist - Minor Second


Author: Lida van der Eijk

We've made a new Spotify Playlist for you! This time we take a look at the minor second interval.


We've been looking at many intervals in the previous playlists. They were all perfect or major. This is the first time that we look at a minor interval. The minor second has the smallest tonedifference, consisting of one semitone. To identify the minor second you should count two naturals, and one semitone. An example of a minor secund is the interval between C# and D.


For the playlist we selected ten songs with a minor second interval in them. By this we mean a melodic, ascending interval. We will explain briefly where you can hear the minor second interval in the songs.


Ludwig van Beethoven - Für Elise

Maybe the most iconic composition by Ludwig van Beethoven! This song starts with a minor second between E and D#.


Jaws Main Theme

The Jaws Theme consists of two notes, who form a minor second. They are repeated throughout the theme.


Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely

The first two tones, Isn't form a minor second. At 'nt-she you can here a descending minor second. This repeats three times in the verse.


John Mayer - Slow Dancing In A Burning Room

At the start of the melody you can hear a minor second. At It's not a John sings the interval.


The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night

You can hear the minor second directly at the start of the song, at It's-been-a.


Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

This time you can't hear the interval in the melody. You can hear it in the iconic instrumental introdcution, which strats with a minor second.



Christy Altomare - Once Upon A December (Anastasia)

This beloved Anastasia song starts with a minor second at Dancing-Bears.


Frank Sinatra - How Insensitive

This Jazz Standard starts with the minor second interval, at How-Sensitive. Enjoy this beautiful song with the wonderful guitarist Carlos Jobim.


Etta James - Stormy Weather

The song starts with Don't-know, which is a minor second interval.


Chet Baker - I Remember You

Finally, another Jazz Standard, sung by the amazing Chet Baker. He sings a minor second at in-Tahiti, between the second and third tone of the verse.



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