Parallel Key vs Relative key

Side-by-side comparison of two musical terms.

	Parallel Key	Relative key
Definition	A major and minor key that share the same tonic note but have different key signatures, such as C major and C minor.	A major and minor key that share the same key signature but have different tonics.
Category	keys	keys
Pronunciation	/ˈpærəlɛl kiː/	—
Origin	English (theoretical term)	English
BPM	—	—
Synonyms	tonic major/minor parallel major parallel minor	Relative major Relative minor
Antonyms	relative key	Parallel key
Usage	The composer shifts from D major to its parallel minor, D minor, darkening the mood instantly.	The development section modulates from D major to its relative minor, B minor, darkening the mood considerably.

Definition: A major and minor key that share the same tonic note but have different key signatures, such as C major and C minor.
Category: keys
Pronunciation: /ˈpærəlɛl kiː/
Origin: English (theoretical term)
Synonyms: tonic major/minor parallel major parallel minor
Antonyms: relative key
Usage: The composer shifts from D major to its parallel minor, D minor, darkening the mood instantly.

Definition: A major and minor key that share the same key signature but have different tonics.
Category: keys
Origin: English
Synonyms: Relative major Relative minor
Antonyms: Parallel key
Usage: The development section modulates from D major to its relative minor, B minor, darkening the mood considerably.