The Steel Guitar Forum

Does the term major third refer to the relationship between only the root & the third (i.e. two intervals above the root) OR to any two notes that are seperated by two intervals?

Thanks, peace

Bluezmo,

You wrote,

"Does the term major third refer to the relationship between only the root & the third (i.e. two intervals above the root) OR to any two notes that are seperated by two intervals"

Any two notes separated by 4 half tones is a major third.

Example:

Cmaj7 has two major thirds. C to E and G to B.

E aug has two major thirds also, E to G# and G# to B#.

F9th has two major thirds also, F to A and Eb to G.

There are of course others all over the place. So again any two notes separated by 4 half tones, is a major third.

Of couse any two notes separated by 3 half tones is a minor third. Regardless of the chordal composition.

carl<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by C Dixon on 29 July 2000 at 04:52 PM.]</p></FONT>

First of all thanks to you. Now, one other quick question if I may, ).

In the ex: pertaining to the Cmaj9 & Cmin9, I noted the Bb & B. These are dominant & major seventh tones. Of course they also signify the minor & major thirds over a major chord. The question? Would we have a C9th without the presence of the "B's"?

Btw, the "meat & potatoes" comment is very insigtful. I've been playing slide in a normal tuning on a 6 string for a few years. I've never bothered to analyze; I just improvise & play what sounds good. Now I'm putting all the theory my guitar teacher & I referred to as the "*aCk*" factor to good use.

Again, thanks for the insight.

Peace, )