Major 2nd

General info

Name

Major 2nd

Quality

Major

Degree distance

2 degrees

Semitones

2

Short description

Distance of two semitones (one whole tone). The standard step of the major scale.

Interval structure

Lower note

Root

Upper note

Major second (2)

Degree formula

II2 stIIII

Semitone formula

2 semitones (1 whole tone)

Interval construction

Interval formula

M2

How it's built

From the root, move up by two semitones (one whole tone, two frets on guitar).

Brief explanation

The major 2nd is the standard step of the major scale (whole tone). It is the distance between C and D, D and E, and so on. The interval sounds neutral, like "normal" melodic motion.

How the interval sounds

Sound character

The major 2nd is a mild dissonance. In melody, it is perceived as a natural step, the basis of stepwise motion. In harmony, two notes a whole step apart create slight tension, but without the harshness of a half step. The sound is calm and "functional," without strong emotional coloring.

Consonance / dissonance

Explanation

The major 2nd is classified as a mild dissonance. The frequencies of two notes are close enough to create some beating, but it is less pronounced than with a minor 2nd. In a melodic context, the dissonance is barely perceptible.

Tendencies & resolutions

Behavior

The major 2nd is moderately unstable. It most often resolves to a 3rd (one note moves by a half step) or contracts to unison. In melody, it does not require mandatory resolution — it is the basis of scale-like motion.

Harmonic context

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

Interval from every note