Lesson 9 of 10
Major Key → Relative Minor Key
Every major key has a "relative minor" — a minor key that shares the same notes. Understanding this unlocks countless song ideas.
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What is a Relative Minor?
The relative minor of a major key is the minor key that contains the same notes and chords. The only difference is which note feels like the "home base" or root.
For example, C Major and A Minor use the exact same 7 notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) — but C Major sounds happy and A Minor sounds sad because each starts and rests on a different note.
Major Key → Relative Minor Key
This table shows every major key and its relative minor.
| Major Key | Relative Minor Key | |
|---|---|---|
| C Major | → | A Minor |
| C# Major | → | A# Minor |
| D Major | → | B Minor |
| D# Major | → | C Minor |
| E Major | → | C# Minor |
| F Major | → | D Minor |
| F# Major | → | D# Minor |
| G Major | → | E Minor |
| G# Major | → | F Minor |
| A Major | → | F# Minor |
| A# Major | → | G Minor |
| B Major | → | G# Minor |
How to Find a Relative Minor
The relative minor is always the 6th note of the major scale. Or, easier: count down 3 half-steps (3 frets) from the major key's root note.
- C Major → count down 3 frets → A Minor ✓
- G Major → count down 3 frets → E Minor ✓
- D Major → count down 3 frets → B Minor ✓
Why It's Useful
- Easier song writing: if you know C Major's chords (C, F, G, Am), you also know A Minor's chords — they're the same set.
- Better improvisation: when a song is in A Minor, you can solo using either the C Major or A Minor scale — they share the same notes.
- Mood changes within a song: many songs switch between a major key and its relative minor for emotional contrast.