Keys and scales 1A: Major and minor
Topic outline
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With this course you can practise:
- Major and minor scales and keys
Recommended to study before this course:
- Notes 1A-D
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Major scale consists of whole and half steps. This example is in C major.
When a major scale starts from another pitch the same structure is achieved by accidentals (sharps and flats)
G major
F major
Key signatures
The key signature is placed after the clef indication at the beginning of a staff. Accidentals in a key signature always apply to any octave.
C major
G major
F major -
Relative keys are the major and minor scales that have the same key signatures. A pair of major and minor scales sharing the same key signature are said to be in a relative relationship. The minor key starts third below its relative major.
A minor is third below its relative, C major.
Other relative keys:
- G major and E minor (one sharp, 1 #)
- F major and D minor (1 b)