Definition of Subminor and supermajor
In music, a subminor interval is an interval that is noticeably wider than a diminished interval but noticeably narrower than a minor interval. It is found in between a minor and diminished interval, thus making it below, or subminor to, the minor interval. A supermajor interval is a musical interval that is noticeably wider than a major interval but noticeably narrower than an augmented interval. It is found in between a major and augmented interval, thus making it above, or supermajor to, the major interval. The inversion of a supermajor interval is a subminor interval, and there are four major and four minor intervals, allowing for eight supermajor and subminor intervals, each with variants.
Traditionally, "supermajor and subminor, [are] the names given to certain thirds [9:7 and 7:6] found in the justly intoned scale with a natural or subminor seventh."
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Neutral sixth
A neutral sixth is a musical interval wider than a minor sixth but narrower than a…
Submediant
In music, the submediant is the sixth degree of a diatonic scale. The submediant ("lower…
Incomposite interval
An incomposite interval (Ancient Greek: διάστημα ἀσύνθετον; German: ungeteilte…
Minor third
In music theory, a minor third is a musical interval that encompasses three half steps…
Interval (music)
In music theory, an interval is a difference in pitch between two sounds. An interval…
Harmonic seventh
The harmonic seventh interval (also known as the septimal minor seventh, or subminor…
Generic and specific intervals
In diatonic set theory, a generic interval is the number of scale steps between notes of…
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 Subminor and supermajor?
In music, a subminor interval is an interval that is noticeably wider than a diminished interval but noticeably narrower than a minor interval. It is found in between a minor and diminished interval, thus making it below, or subminor to, the minor interval.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Subminor and supermajor – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Hyacinth at English Wikipedia – Public domain