Relative minors

About 2 min to read, then 6 practice questions

Two keys, one signature

Learn these by heart

C major

A minor

Sharps

G major

E minor

Flats

F major

D minor

Every key signature belongs to two keys: a major key and its relative minor. The relative minor starts on the 6th degree of the major scale. That is three semitones (a minor 3rd) below the major key note.

Quick check

Which minor key shares C major's key signature?

Worked example: one sharp

G major's 6th degree: E, so E minor

One sharp, F sharp: G major.
Count to the 6th degree of G major: G, A, B, C, D, E. So E minor.

G minor is a different key; the minor that shares G major's key signature is E minor. Going the other way, the relative major is three semitones above the minor key note.

Quick check

Which major key shares D minor's key signature?

Remember

A key signature means a major key or its relative minor.
The relative minor starts on the major's 6th degree, three semitones lower.

Practise this: 6 questions, about 5 min

Answering from memory soon after reading is what makes it stick, so now is a good time.

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