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.
A major tenth is a compound interval spanning 16 semitones, or 4 semitones above an octave. For example, the interval between C<sub>4</sub> and E<sub>5</sub> (in scientific pitch notation) is a major tenth.
A minor tenth is a compound interval spanning 15 semitones, or 3 semitones above an octave. For example, the interval between C<sub>4</sub> and E<sub>5</sub> is a minor tenth.