What is the interval between a C and an E?

The interval between C and E is classified as a major third. To understand why this is the correct answer, it's essential to consider how to determine musical intervals.

First, identify the starting note, which is C, and the note you are measuring to, which is E. Counting the letters from C to E gives us C (1), D (2), and E (3). This indicates that we are dealing with a third.

Next, we must determine whether this third is major or minor. A major third consists of four half steps (or semitones). In this case, you can count the half steps from C to E:

• From C to C# is one half step.

• From C# to D is another half step (totaling two half steps).

• From D to D# is the third half step.

• Finally, from D# to E is the fourth half step.

Since there are four half steps from C to E, this confirms that the interval is indeed a major third, which matches the characteristics defined in music theory. Thus, the correct choice is major third.