Major 3rd by Ear

The major 3rd is 4 semitones across. Sung or played, it is one of thirteen answers, and the reason it stays hard is that 3 distances sit close enough to steal it: minor 3rd, perfect 4th and minor 6th. Turn it upside down and the same two notes come back as the minor 6th, which is why that one belongs on the list.

Confusion setminor 3rd · perfect 4th · minor 6th — drill it against these, never on its own. Once it is solid you will start hearing it inside major triad, dominant 7th, major 7th and major 6th chord, which is where the chord rounds pick it up.

Anchor tunes, each with the direction to move your voice — the part of an anchor that actually transfers:

• When the Saints Go Marching In — sing it upward from the reference.
• Swing Low, Sweet Chariot — sing it downward from the reference.