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
Tonic
View all keysterms →The first and most important note of a key, serving as the central point of rest and resolution.
DominantThe fifth degree of a scale and the second most important tonal centre after the tonic.
DiatonicPertaining to the seven notes of a major or natural minor scale without chromatic alteration.
Relative Major and MinorA pair of keys — one major, one minor — sharing the same key signature
Leading noteThe seventh degree of a major or harmonic minor scale, a semitone below the tonic.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →