The only thing shared by a major key and the parallel minor is the root, or starting note. Parallel minor does not share the same key signature as a major key. So if we play the same scale (with the same key signature) starting on F, we will have played an F minor scale (natural minor). In this example, the 6th degree of Ab major is F. The relative minor can be formed by finding the 6th degree of any major scale. Notice that we’ve labeled each degree of the scale. In this instance we’ll use the key of Ab major, which has 4 flats – Bb, Eb, Ab, Db. Sound confusing? Let’s explain.įirst, we’ll take a major scale, any major scale. The next logical question regarding these related major and minor scales might be, “How do I know which minor scale is related to a given major scale?” The answer is that the relative minor scale is based on the 6th degree of the major scale.

Because these two scales share the same key signature, and therefore the same individual notes, we call them relative. Notice that the individual notes in both scales are exactly the same, the only difference being the starting note of each scale. Notice that both scales have the same key signature (one flat, Bb).

the major and relative minor key share the same key signature. Let’s take a look at how this works.īelow are two scales, F major and D minor.

Relative minor is related to a major key.

G flat major scale relative minor