6.2 · The Minor Scale

The relative minor

A minor and C major use exactly the same seven notes. The only thing that changes is which note feels like home. Every major key hides a minor one this way: its relative minor, three semitones below.

Same notes, two homes

Both runs use only white keys. Start on C and the run lands bright; start on A and the same notes land dark.

Find the relative minor

Count three semitones down from any major root and you've found its relative minor. Tap a pair to hear the two homes back to back.

→ 3 semitones down →
→ 3 semitones down →
→ 3 semitones down →

On the circle of fifths, each relative pair shares one spoke. Same key signature, two homes.

Game · Find the relative minor

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Tap the home note of 's relative minor.

Count three semitones down from the major root. Any octave counts.

Quiz

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The relative minor of C major is…

Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson. A perfect run sticks: a later miss never undoes it.The minor scale, numbered →