Relative key
A major and minor key that share the same key signature but have different tonics.
Category
keys
Origin
English
Length
213 words · 2 min read
About Relative key
Every major key has a relative minor, and every minor key has a relative major — the two keys share exactly the same set of seven diatonic pitches but centre on different tonic notes. The relative minor of any major key is found by going to its sixth scale degree: C major's relative minor is A minor, both using only white keys.
More keys terms
Key Signature
View all keysterms →The set of sharps or flats at the beginning of a staff indicating the key
Circle of FifthsA diagram arranging all twelve major and minor keys by ascending perfect fifths, showing their key-signature relationships.
TranspositionMoving a passage of music up or down in pitch by a fixed interval
SubdominantThe fourth degree of a scale, forming a key harmonic pillar alongside the tonic and dominant.
ModulationThe process of changing from one key to another within a piece
Synonyms
Antonyms
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