Learn music theory with Sonid: Part 5 Major Second

Today's topic: "What is a major second?" In this video you will learn how to construct and identify a major second interval in 30 seconds. Including some examples and common mistakes.

An interval is the distance between two notes.

To identify an interval you must:

- 1 (number) - count the amount of naturals

- 2 (quality) - count the semitone steps

In music theory, a second (minor, major, diminished or augmented) is the interval between a natural and the second one above it. For example, the interval between tones C and D is a second, but the interval between E and F is as well.

Additionally, a major second consists of 2 semitones and is abbreviated with M2.

Common mistakes are often made when the notes of an interval use different naturals, but musically sound the same. An example of this would be a C sharp to a E flat. Or E to G flat. Which are both different intervals, but sound like a major second.

This may sound a little confusing at first, and it probably is. But when advancing in music theory it is an essential skill to understand. With it, you will be able to create chords, scales and progressions.

So, to correctly construct or identify a major second make sure that you count two naturals. And there are two semitones between the notes.

That's it, you can now use the major second!