The minor second (m2) is one of the most tense intervals in tonal music. It spans 1 semitone and creates immediate friction, making it essential for expressive melodic motion and harmonic tension.
Construction and spelling
m2 runs from a note to the next letter with a half-step distance, such as E to F or B to C. It belongs to the major/minor interval family. Precise spelling matters because enharmonic alternatives can imply different harmonic functions.
Harmonic and melodic usage
Melodically, m2 drives strong directional pull in stepwise lines. Harmonically, close minor-second voicings create bite in clusters and suspensions. In tonal contexts, m2 often functions as a leading or resolving tension.
Examples
- Leading-tone motion into tonic in tonal melodies
- Cluster voicings in modern jazz and film scoring
- Chromatic neighbor tones in expressive lines
In practice
Practice m2 from many roots and in both directions, then identify it by ear in melodies and dense harmonies. Compare m2 with M2 to hear tight chromatic friction versus open whole-step movement. Strong m2 control improves intonation, phrasing, and tension handling.
