In music theory, a tenth (or compound third) is a musical interval encompassing ten scale degrees. It is a compound interval, composed of an octave plus a third. Like a third, a tenth is typically major or minor but can also have other chord qualities, like being augmented or diminished.

Major tenth

A major tenth is a compound interval spanning 16 semitones, or 4 semitones above an octave. For example, the interval between C4 and E5 (in scientific pitch notation) is a major tenth.

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Minor tenth

A minor tenth is a compound interval spanning 15 semitones, or 3 semitones above an octave. For example, the interval between C4 and E♭5 is a minor tenth.

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