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1.8 Minor Scales: Two Roads: Road One: The Relative Road
1.8 Minor Scales: Two Roads: Road One: The Relative Road
LearnMusicTheory.net
! "
"
"
"
W W
"
h
"
F W
G "
A "
(lower tetrachord)
(upper tetrachord)
Relative keys are any pair of one major key and one minor key (like C major and a minor) that have the same key signature. The minor key always starts on the sixth note of the relative major. Relative keys are listed on the circle-of-fifths diagram in boxes together. Remember: Relatives at a family reunion look alike, and relative keys "look alike" by having the same key signature. To find the key signature for a minor key, count down 6 letter names (or up 3), and spell the major scale that includes the minor key you want.
Example: E minor = ? Answer: Count down 6 =E,D,C,B,A,G
D E F# G " " " " " " " ! "
G major = 1 #
B C
! ! !
E minor = 1 #
Road Two: The Parallel Road Parallel keys share the same starting note (called tonic). To find the natural minor using the parallel key, write a major scale on the same note, then lower 3, 6, and 7 using accidentals.
E major = 4 # G# A B C# D#
3
4 5
! ! !
E minor = 1 # G A B C D
Harmonic and Melodic Minor Scales Melodic minor is natural minor with steps 6 and 7 raised going up, but like natural minor going down. (Notice the F# in the key signature below.)
# #
C# 6
D# 7
D 7
C 6
Harmonic minor is natural minor with step 7 raised (only) both up AND down.
D# 7
D# 7