What is a Major Sixth?

A major sixth is a musical interval that represents the distance between two notes that are nine semitones apart. In Western music theory, this interval occurs when the second note is six letter names higher than the first. For example, the distance between the notes C and A forms a major sixth.

The major sixth has a smooth and pleasant sound that is generally considered consonant. Because of this, it often appears in melodic lines and harmonies across many styles of music. The interval is commonly heard in both classical and popular melodies and can give a musical phrase a warm and open feeling.

Major sixth intervals are also important in chord structures and scales. They appear in major scales and are used in various chord extensions and harmonic arrangements. Like other intervals, the major sixth can occur in different octaves and is used by composers and musicians to add color and movement to melodies and harmonies.