More about Relative Keys
In lesson 24 you learned that the A natural minor scale and the C major scale contain the same notes; the only difference is that they start on a different note. This is why 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.
Both the major and the relative minor share the same key signature, as illustrated here.
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.
Minor Scales Chart
The following chart shows the notes of the traditional melodic minor scale in all twelve keys. Remember that the descending melodic minor is the same as the natural minor. To work out the notes for the harmonic minor, simply flatten the 6th degree of the ascending melodic minor. Once again, it is recommended that you purchase a copy of Hanon and familiarize yourself with all the minor scales and their fingerings.
