Relative major and minor keys are pairs of keys that share the same key signature but have different tonal centers. The relative minor of a major key starts on the sixth degree of the major scale, while the relative major of a minor key starts on the third degree of the minor scale. This relationship creates a close connection between the two keys, allowing for smooth transitions in music.
- Major and minor keys that share the same key signature are called relative keys.
- The relative minor is found by starting on the 6th scale degree of the major scale.
- The relative major is found by starting on the 3rd scale degree of the minor scale.
Relative major and minor keys share the same key signature.
The relative minor key is found by starting on the sixth degree of the major scale.
They are called 'relative' keys (not 'parallel').
Major to Minor
To find the relative minor of a major key:
- Identify the major key’s tonic (starting note).
- Count down three semitones (or up six scale degrees) from the tonic to find the minor key’s tonic.
- Both keys will share the same key signature.
Example:
- C major → Relative minor tonic is A (down 3 semitones from C).
- Relative minor key is A minor, sharing no sharps or flats (same as C major).
- The relative minor scale shares all the notes of the major scale but centers on a different tonic.
- This minor tonic is three semitones below (or six steps above) the major tonic.
E minor is the relative minor of G major.
Relative minor keys share the same key signature as their major counterparts, and their tonic is three semitones below the major tonic.
You move down three semitones from the major tonic to find the relative minor.
Start on the 6th degree of the major scale or move down three semitones from the tonic.
Minor to Major
To find the relative major of a minor key:
- Identify the minor key’s tonic.
- Count up three semitones (or start from the tonic and move to the 3rd scale degree); this gives the major key’s tonic.
- Both keys will share the same key signature.
Example:
- A minor → Relative major tonic is C (up 3 semitones from A).
- Relative major key is C major, sharing no sharps or flats.
- The relative major scale uses the same notes as the minor scale but centers on a different tonic.
F major is the relative major of D minor.
Relative major and minor keys share the same key signature, and their tonics are a minor third apart.
Move up three semitones from the minor tonic to find its relative major.
Count up three semitones from the minor tonic or find the major key starting on the 3rd degree of the minor scale.
Shared Key Signatures
Relative majors and minors always share the exact same key signature, making their scales contain identical notes but starting from different tonics.
C major & A minor are correct relative keys.
Summary
- Relative major and minor keys share the same key signature.
- The minor key tonic is three semitones below the major key tonic.
- The major key tonic is three semitones above the minor key tonic.
They share the same key signature, and their tonics form a minor third interval.
D minor is the relative minor of F major.
G major is the relative major of E minor.