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 different notes. Because of this, these two scales are referred to as "relatives": A minor is the relative minor of C major.
Major Scale: C Major
Relative Minor Scale: A Natural Minor
For every major scale there is a relative minor scale which is based upon the sixth note of the major scale.
Both the major and the relative minor share the same key signature, shown 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. 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.
