Major 2nd

General info

Interval

Major 2nd

Quality

Major

Semitones

2

Degree distance

2 degrees

Degree

2

Interval structure

Lower note

D (293.7 Hz)

Lower note role

Root

Upper note

E (329.6 Hz)

Upper note role

Major second (2)

Degree formula

I

II

Semitone formula

2 semitones (1 whole tone)

Interval construction

Interval formula

M2

Brief explanation

A major second spans two semitones, or one whole tone, as in C–D. It is one of the principal forms of stepwise melodic motion.

Interval notes

Consonance / dissonance

Sonority

Mild dissonance

Explanation

When sounded simultaneously, a major second is classified as a dissonance, less sharp than a minor second. In melody, successive notes do not require the same harmonic resolution.

How the interval sounds

Tendencies & resolutions

In two-part writing, a major second may expand to a third or contract to a unison; harmony determines the specific motion. As a melodic step, it requires no independent resolution.

Harmonic context

In chords, the major 2nd appears as add9 (extension), sus2 (suspension), and in cluster voicings. In the major scale, it is the distance between degrees I – II, II – III, IV – V, and V – VI. In jazz, second intervals are often used in chord extensions.

Interval inversion

Inverts to

Minor 7thm7

Quality change

Major

minor

Inversion rule

When inverting a major 2nd, the lower note moves up an octave. 2 semitones (M2) become 10 semitones — a minor 7th (m7).

Related intervals