Definition of Major second
In Western music theory, a major second (sometimes also called whole tone or a whole step) is a second spanning two semitones. A second is a musical interval encompassing two adjacent staff positions (see Interval number for more details). For example, the interval from C to D is a major second, as the note D lies two semitones above C, and the two notes are notated on adjacent staff positions.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Major third
In music theory, a third is a musical interval encompassing three staff positions (see…
Major seventh
In music from Western culture, a seventh is a musical interval encompassing seven staff…
Minor third
In music theory, a minor third is a musical interval that encompasses three half steps…
Minor seventh
In music theory, a minor seventh is one of two musical intervals that span seven staff…
Tritone
In music theory, a tritone is a musical interval spanning three whole tones. For…
Perfect fifth
In Western music theory, a perfect fifth (abbreviated P5) is a musical interval…
Subtonic
In music, the subtonic is the degree of a musical scale which is a whole step below the…
Chromatic scale
In Western music, a chromatic scale (or twelve-tone scale) is a set of twelve pitches…
Jazz scale
A jazz scale is any musical scale used in jazz. Many "jazz scales" are common scales…
Frequently asked questions
What is Major second?
In Western music theory, a major second (sometimes also called whole tone or a whole step) is a second spanning two semitones. A second is a musical interval encompassing two adjacent staff positions (see Interval number for more details).