Relative Keys
If you compare the A natural minor scale with the C major scale you will notice that they contain the same notes (except starting 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.
The harmonic and melodic minor scale variations are also relatives of the same major scale, e.g. A harmonic and A melodic minor are 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 table below.
Both the major and the relative minor share the same key signature, as illustrated below.
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. E.g., 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.
Here is a popular South American folk song which moves between the keys of A minor and C major which are relative keys. This melody makes use of both the harmonic minor and the natural minor. Notice the { symbol at the end indicating a gradual slowing down of the tempo.
When playing traditional melodies, many young players think "oh this is easy and boring, I’d rather be improvising". However, a simple melody played expressively with conviction and a good tone can move people a lot more than a fast nonsensical solo. It is easy to cover up musical inadequacies with a lot of fast notes. Listen carefully to the sound you are making as you play the melody and notice any weaknesses in tone, intonation, expression or rhythm which you may need to work on.
Here is a piece which alternates between the key of E minor and its relative – G major. Both these keys share the same key signature which contains one sharp (F#). The D# note which occurs in this melody comes from the E harmonic minor scale. This piece makes much use of arpeggios as well as scales. This piece is not on the CD, but the rhythms are easy, so you should have no trouble reading it. It is written in a Baroque style.The most well known composer from this period is Johann Sebastian Bach, who was a master at writing both melodically and harmonically at the same time. The saxophone did not exist in Bach’s time, but one of his famous flute pieces "Siciliano" can be found on page142.
