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Relative or parallel?
Every major key has two minor keys close to it (Handout 74).The relative minor keeps the key signature and moves home to the major scale’s 6th note: C major → A minor. The parallel minor keeps the home note and lowers 3, 6 and 7 a half step: C major → C minor.
Listen
Play each example here, or download it as an MP3 (audio) or a MIDI file.
Hear the difference
- C major, then its relative minor, A minor: the same notes, a new home0:29
- C major, then its parallel minor, C minor: the same home, 3, 6 and 7 lower0:29
Check your answers (Part 3)
- Item 9: G major, then G minor0:29
- Item 10: D major, then D minor0:29
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Free to use in your own lessons and practice. Made by the teachers at Tissimo.