Minor Second

Definition

A minor second is an interval in music that spans one half step, or semitone. It is one of the smallest intervals in Western music and is characterized by its dissonant sound, creating a sense of tension or urgency. This interval can often be found in melodies and harmonies, leading to interesting musical resolutions and progressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A minor second can be played on a piano by striking two adjacent keys, such as C and C♯.
2. This interval is often used to create tension in musical compositions, which can then resolve into more consonant intervals.
3. In terms of notation, a minor second can be represented as two notes that are one half step apart, which can occur in both melodic and harmonic contexts.
4. The minor second interval is prominent in various music genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music, making it an essential building block of melody.
5. Recognizing and hearing minor seconds can improve your ear training and understanding of melodic movement and harmonic progression.

Review Questions

• How does the minor second interval create a sense of tension in musical compositions?
  • The minor second interval creates tension due to its dissonant quality, which arises from the close proximity of the two pitches. This closeness leads to an unsettling feeling when played together or sequentially. Composers often use this tension deliberately to build anticipation before resolving to more consonant intervals, which provides relief and stability to the listener.
• In what ways can understanding the minor second enhance your ability to analyze melodies?
  • Understanding the minor second allows you to recognize patterns and relationships between notes in melodies. By identifying this interval, you can see how composers use it to create tension and resolve it throughout their pieces. This knowledge also aids in transcribing music by helping you pinpoint specific intervals that may define a melody's character.
• Evaluate the role of the minor second in different musical genres and how it influences compositional techniques.
  • The minor second plays a significant role across various musical genres by providing a tool for composers to evoke emotional responses. In classical music, it's used extensively for dramatic effect, while in jazz, it can introduce chromaticism and complexity. In popular music, its frequent appearances contribute to catchy hooks or motifs. Overall, the use of the minor second enhances musical expressiveness and showcases a composer's unique style through their manipulation of tension and resolution.

Related terms

Half Step:

The smallest musical interval used in Western music, representing the distance between two adjacent keys on a piano keyboard.

Dissonance:

A combination of tones that create a sense of instability or tension, often requiring resolution to a more stable sound.

Scale Degrees:

The specific positions of notes within a scale, which can help identify intervals like the minor second in relation to other notes.