Major tenth

The major tenth (M10) spans 16 semitones. It is the compound form of the major third and keeps the same bright consonant quality in a wider register.

Construction and spelling

M10 is built as an octave plus major third, for example C-E above the octave. It can be heard as an expanded third with extra space and clarity. The spelling preserves tenth-function context.

Harmonic and melodic usage

Harmonically, M10 appears in open voicings, piano left-hand patterns, and guitar textures needing spread consonance. Melodically, it creates broad lyrical leaps. It sounds stable yet spacious.

Examples

• Open-position chord voicings with wide thirds
• Piano stride and accompaniment intervals
• Melodic writing with expansive consonant skips

In practice

Practice M10 alongside M3 to connect simple and compound hearing. Voice-lead M10 shapes smoothly to avoid awkward gaps. This improves texture design and interval control.