Definition of Minor seventh
In music theory, a minor seventh is one of two musical intervals that span seven staff positions. It is minor because it is the smaller of the two sevenths, spanning ten semitones. The major seventh spans eleven. For example, the interval from A3 to G4 (in scientific pitch notation) is a minor seventh, as the note G4 lies ten semitones above A3, and there are seven staff positions from A3 to G4.
Diminished and augmented sevenths span the same number of staff positions, but consist of a different number of semitones (nine and twelve, respectively).
Terms mentioned above
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Frequently asked questions
What is Minor seventh?
In music theory, a minor seventh is one of two musical intervals that span seven staff positions. It is minor because it is the smaller of the two sevenths, spanning ten semitones. The major seventh spans eleven.