Parallel Key
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)
Length
219 words · 2 min read
About Parallel Key
Parallel keys are pairs of major and minor keys built on the same starting note. C major and C minor are parallel keys, as are G major and G minor, D major and D minor, and so on.
More keys terms
Chromatic
View all keysterms →Pertaining to notes outside the prevailing key or diatonic scale.
Leading noteThe seventh degree of a major or harmonic minor scale, a semitone below the tonic.
Circle of FifthsA diagram arranging all twelve major and minor keys by ascending perfect fifths, showing their key-signature relationships.
Relative keyA major and minor key that share the same key signature but have different tonics.
ModulationThe process of changing from one key to another within a piece
Antonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →