Pitch & Intervals

Major Second

Written as M2

Definition

A major second (M2) is an interval of two half steps between neighboring letter names, such as C–D, E–F♯ or B♭–C. It is the whole step that most steps of a scale are made of.

A major second is the interval from one note to the next letter name, two half steps away: C up to D, G up to A, E up to F♯, B♭ up to C. Abbreviated M2, it is the same distance as a whole step, and in equal temperament it measures 200 cents.

Three examples, each one bar of half notes: the lower note, the upper note, then both together: C5 and D5, E4 and F sharp 4 in treble clef, B flat 2 and C3 in bass clef. — Three major seconds, each played one note after the other and then together: C–D and E–F♯ in the treble clef, B♭–C in the bass clef.

Counting it

The letters are neighbors, so it is a 2nd. Then count half steps: from G, one key up is G♯ (1), the next is A (2). Two half steps make it major; one would make it a minor second.

G to A: count G♯ (1), then A (2). B♭ to C: count B (1), then C (2). Two half steps make a major second.

Where you find it

Five of the seven steps of a major scale are major seconds (W W H W W W H), so this is the interval melodies move by most often. Among the white keys, every pair of neighbors is a major second except E–F and B–C. To build a major second above E or B you need a sharp (E–F♯, B–C♯); to build one below F or C you need a flat (E♭–F, B♭–C).

The step up from "Hap-py" to "Birth-" in "Happy Birthday" is a rising major second, and "Mary Had a Little Lamb" starts with a falling one.

How it sounds

In a melody, a major second is a plain, comfortable step. Played together, the two notes are mildly dissonant: they rub, but far more gently than a minor second. Pop and jazz musicians like that soft friction, which is why the added 2nd or 9th of an added-tone chord and the 2nd of a sus2 chord are so common.

Inversion and look-alikes

Inverted, a major second becomes a minor seventh: C–D becomes D–C, and 2 + 10 = 12 half steps. The same two keys spelled with letters two apart, such as C–E𝄫, form a diminished third: the same sound with a different spelling, and very rare.

Practice with Major & minor 2nds and 3rds and Whole step or half step?.

Common questions

Is a major second the same as a whole step?

Yes, as long as the two notes have neighboring letter names (C–D, E–F♯). Both span two half steps, 200 cents in equal temperament.

What is the difference between a major second and a minor second?

Both join neighboring letter names, but a major second spans two half steps (C–D) and a minor second only one (C–D♭, E–F). On the piano, a minor second has no key in between; a major second has exactly one.