Tenth (interval)
In music theory, a tenth (or compound third[1]) is a musical interval encompassing ten scale degrees.[2] It is a compound interval,[3] composed of an octave plus a third.[4] Like a third, a tenth is typically major or minor but can also have other chord qualities, like being augmented or diminished.
Major tenth
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Compound major third |
| Abbreviation | M10 |
| Size | |
| Semitones | 16 |
| Interval class | 4 |
| Cents | |
| 12-Tone equal temperament | 1600 |
A major tenth is a compound interval spanning 16 semitones, or 4 semitones above an octave. For example, the interval between C4 and E5 (in scientific pitch notation) is a major tenth.
Minor tenth
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Compound minor third |
| Abbreviation | m10 |
| Size | |
| Semitones | 15 |
| Interval class | 3 |
| Cents | |
| 12-Tone equal temperament | 1500 |
A minor tenth is a compound interval spanning 15 semitones, or 3 semitones above an octave. For example, the interval between C4 and E♭5 is a minor tenth.
References
- ^ Apel, Willi (1950). The Harvard Dictionary of Music (Sixth Printing ed.). p. 359.
- ^ Elson, Louis Charles. Elson's Music Dictionary. Boston: Oliver Ditson, 1905. 82.
- ^ Laitz, Steven G. (2008). The Complete Musician (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 71–72. ISBN 978-0-19-530108-3.
- ^ Hamm, Chelsey; Hughes, Bryn (2026-02-01). "Intervals". VIVA.