relative key

Definition: Relative keys are major and minor scales that share the same key signature. Relative scales consist of the same exact notes. What matters is which note begins the scale; a minor scale begins on the sixth note of its relative major:

For example, G major and E minor are relative keys - both have one accidental: F sharp.

• E is the sixth note of the G major scale:
  
   G - A - B - C - D - E - F# - G


• The E minor scale repeats this major scale, but begins on the sixth scale degree:
  
   E - F# - G* - A - B - C - D - E

* (Note that in minor scales, the relative major is identified by the third scale degree.

Also Known As:

• relativa maggiore / minore (It)
• relative majeure / mineure (Fr)
• Paralleltonart (Ger)
  (Not to be confused with Varianttonart, German for parallel key.)

Pronunciation: rell'-uh-tihv  kee'


More Musical Terms:

• keynote
• fermata
• legato
• (x) double-sharp
• F-clef