Minor third interval

Minor third in musical notationThe minor third interval consists of two notes with a whole and a half steps distance. For example, C to Eb note will result in this musical interval.

The minor third interval is abbreviated m3 whereas the major third is abbreviated M3. An alternate spelling of minor third is augmented second.
Keyboard minor third interval 
A minor third with C to Eb on the keyboard.

Listen to minor third interval (C-Eb):

In scales, this interval is relative common and can, for example, be found in the Harmonic Minor and the Minor Pentatonic.

The third is the interval that decides if a chord has a major or minor quality. Chords with a minor third interval between the first and second notes are in general minor chords. For example, Cm consisting of the notes C, Eb, G and Cm7 consisting of the notes C, Eb, G, Bb.

To being able to distinguish this interval by ear, a good idea is to think about familiar songs beginning notes match. Examples with m3 are "Greensleeves" (ascending) and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" (descending).

Ascending minor third intervals

A list with ascending minor third intervals:

Descending minor third intervals

A list with descending minor third intervals:

Enharmonic notes such as Cb and Fb are leaved out.