A · Worked example
Major second
Sounding pitches: G#4 · A#4
Listen to a very small step. The generated explanation identifies whether it spans one or two semitones.
G#4 to A#4: 2 semitones, ascending. Major second.
Listen, compare, then practise
A minor second spans one semitone; a major second spans two. Listen to both comparison examples after answering.
B · Compare the difference
Minor second
Sounding pitches: G#4 · A4
Replay the two labeled sizes. Keep your attention on the space between the notes, not on the starting pitch.
G#4 to A4: 1 semitone, ascending. Minor second.
For aural examples, sounding pitch names are a listening reference. Written-note exercises preserve the displayed spelling.
Check the idea: The two candidates differ by one semitone.
1 · Guided practice
Choose the narrower or wider step, then attach Minor second or Major second to that decision.
2 · Independent practice
Identify each step across new roots. Descending order changes the direction, not its size.
3 · New-question check
Compare a fresh pair to your remembered size, then inspect the semitone count after answering.
Each session starts with two guided questions, then your chosen practice set, followed by two new questions at a different tempo. First answers, same-question retries, and the final check have separate results.
Begin this lessonChoose your practice
Beginner
90 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · With guidance
Minor second ascending, Major second ascending
Practice this levelDeveloping
95 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · Fewer hints
Minor second descending, Major second descending
Practice this levelChallenge
100 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · Fewer hints
Minor second ascending, Major second ascending, Minor second descending, Major second descending
Practice this levelIf this feels difficult
- Downward motion is called minor. Separate direction from interval size. Higher or Lower
- Steps are confused with small skips. Compare the third examples after the seconds are stable. Thirds
Practice on paper or with a teacher
The teacher pack includes 10 fixed questions, replay controls, a student sheet, and a separate answer key. The printed key and downloaded JSON use the same questions.
Download an audio example
Original synthesized audio · A4 = 440 Hz · mono, 48 kHz WAV.
Related skills
Musical background
These references explain the underlying definitions. The examples and practice sequences here are generated for Earstep.