3 MIN · UNDERSTAND & PLAY
From major to minor
An idea to hear, see and put under your fingers.
Only one note changes
C major: C–E–G. C minor: C–E♭–G. The third moves down one semitone; the other two notes stay. E♭ sounds like D♯ on a piano, but its name indicates its role as the third.
Your turn
Alternate the two versions and focus on the middle note.
A colour, not a compulsory emotion
Minor may sound darker, but rhythm and context change the feeling. Remember its third at 3 semitones. A minor contains A–C–E.
Your turn
Play A minor slowly, then with an energetic rhythm. Hear what changes.
Check your understanding
To turn major into minor, you…
See the explanation
Only the third changes: 1–3–5 becomes 1–♭3–5.
Turn words into sound.
Find this lesson in the workshops to hear examples, compare chords and answer the quiz.
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