Relative Keys
If you compare the A natural minor scale with the C major scale you will notice that they contain the same notes; the only difference is that they start on a different note. Because of this, these two scales are referred to as relatives; A minor is the relative minor of C major and vice versa.
Major Scale: C Major
Relative Minor Scale: A Natural Minor
The harmonic and melodic minor scale variations are also relatives of the same major scale, e.g., the A harmonic and A melodic minor scales are all relatives of C major.
For every major scale (and ever major chord) there is a relative minor scale which is based upon the 6th note of the major scale. This is outlined in the following table.
Relative major and minor keys share the same key signatures.
To determine whether a song is in a major key or the relative minor key, look at the last note or chord of the song. Songs often finish on the root note or the root chord which indicates the key. For example, if the key signature contained one sharp, and the last chord of the song was Em, the key would probably be E minor, not G major. Minor key signatures are always based on the natural minor scale. The sharpened 6th and 7th degrees from the harmonic and melodic minor scales are not indicated in the key signature. This usually means there are accidentals (temporary sharps, flats or naturals) in melodies created from these scales.
Rhythm Pattern
Greensleeves is an old English folk song which has been used in the sound tracks of many motion pictures and television shows. It is in the key of A minor.The melody contains F# and G# notes from the A melodic minor scale. In bar 13, the key changes to the relative major (C major) and then returns to A minor. This change happens again in bar 21 before finishing back in the key of A minor.
Remember that a sharp sign (or flat sign) affects all notes of that name within the bar in which it appears and is canceled by a bar line. This means that a new sign would be needed to indicate any sharps or flats in following bars.
Here is a famous piece in the key of E minor written by JS Bach, arranged here for two guitars. Be sure to learn and play both parts. In bar 16 you will find a new high B note. Play it with your 4th finger at the 7th fret on the first string.
