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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.
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →