How to Find the Relative Minor?

To find the relative minor of a major scale, locate the sixth note of that major scale. This note will be the root of the relative minor scale.

Understanding Relative Minors

A relative minor key shares the same key signature as its related major key but sounds different due to the location of the tonal center (the root of the scale). This tonal center differs. The relative minor begins three half-steps (a minor third) below the tonic (root) of the major scale.

Method for Finding the Relative Minor

To find the relative minor, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Major Scale: Determine the notes that comprise the major scale you are working with.
2. Locate the Sixth Degree: Count to the sixth note within that scale. This is the root note of the relative minor scale.

Example

According to the reference, let's look at the D major scale: D-E-F♯-G-A-B-C♯.

• The 6th note is B.
• Therefore, B minor is the relative minor of D major.

This is because the sixth degree of the D major scale is the note B. As a result, B minor is considered the relative minor of D major.

Summary

Major Key	Relative Minor	Explanation
C Major	A minor	The 6th note in the C major scale is A, making A minor the relative minor.
D Major	B minor	The 6th note in the D major scale is B, making B minor the relative minor.
E Major	C# minor	The 6th note in the E major scale is C#, making C# minor the relative minor.
F Major	D minor	The 6th note in the F major scale is D, making D minor the relative minor.
G Major	E minor	The 6th note in the G major scale is E, making E minor the relative minor.
A Major	F# minor	The 6th note in the A major scale is F#, making F# minor the relative minor.
B Major	G# minor	The 6th note in the B major scale is G#, making G# minor the relative minor.