The next interval we will learn about is called a Minor 3rd.
As we learned in previous lessons, an interval is called “Minor” if it is one half step smaller than a Major interval.
Therefore, to understand Minor 3rds, we must first understand Major 3rds.
A Major 3rd means going up 3 degrees in the Major Scale.
![](/files/tutorials/instrument/guitar/intervals/maj_3_c.jpg)
In the key of C, a Major 3rd is the interval from C to E.
![](/files/tutorials/instrument/guitar/intervals/maj_3_c.jpg)
A Minor 3rd, on the other hand, would be formed by lowering the third degree by a half step.
![](/files/tutorials/instrument/guitar/intervals/min_3_c.jpg)
We call this a “Flat 3rd” written “b3”.
![](/files/tutorials/instrument/guitar/intervals/min_3_c.jpg)
A Major Third is equal to two Whole Steps.
![](/files/tutorials/instrument/guitar/scales/major/full_guitar_neck_w_scale.jpg)
This is because it is part of the major scale, which is Whole Whole Half, Whole Whole Whole Half.
![](/files/tutorials/instrument/guitar/scales/major/full_guitar_neck_w_scale.jpg)
A Minor Third, which is smaller than a Major Third, is equal to a Whole Step + a Half Step.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/03/minor_3rd.jpg)
A Minor Third is also equal to three half steps.
![](/files/tutorials/theory/intervals/03/minor_3rd.jpg)
Please press the Exercise button below.