(M2) major second

Definition: A major second (abbreviated M2, always uppercase) is an interval spanning two semitones, or one whole step.

All major and minor scales begin with a M2 interval; these scales do not differ until the third:

• C Major: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
• C minor: C - D - E♭ - F - G - A♭ - B♭ - C

Between C and D is one whole step.

Major 2nds in Chords

M2s are most commonly found in suspended 2nd and add2 chords:

• C^sus2: C - D - G


• C^ADD2: C - D - E - G

See minor second.

Also Known As:

• whole step
• seconda maggiore; tono (It)
• seconde majeure; ton (Fr)
• grosse Sekunde; Ganzton (Ger)

More About Musical Intervals:

• perfect fifth
• suspended fourth
• seventh interval
• octave
• half step
• major scale
• minor scale