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Second – Definition
A second is a musical interval spanning two letter names. The two most common forms are the minor second (one semitone) and the major second (two semitones).
What is a Second?
The second is the smallest interval after the unison. Major seconds occur naturally between adjacent notes in a major scale, while minor seconds occur where two notes are separated by a single semitone.
Because of its close spacing, the second often creates tension that seeks musical resolution, making it an important interval in both melody and harmony.
How is a Second used in piano playing?
Pianists encounter seconds in melodies, chord voicings, suspended chords, add9 chords, and modern harmony. Closely spaced notes can add color, tension, and richness to accompaniment patterns.
Learning to hear and recognize seconds improves ear training, harmonic understanding, and expressive piano playing.