01 / Relative key
Same notes. New center.
Find a relative major or minor key with the correct spelling, then compare it with the parallel key. Useful for transposing, writing melodies, and understanding what a key label actually tells you.
Around the circle of fifths
Choose a card to set the tonic for everything below. Each card pairs a major key with its relative minor; your Major or Minor selection determines which tonic is selected. Each step to the right moves up a perfect fifth.
Relative relationship
Shared pitches
Yellow identifies your tonic. Both keys use this same collection of pitches; the musical center changes.
Different notes / same tonic
Parallel key
Use the relationship
A relative minor starts on degree 6 of the major scale. Its relative major starts on degree 3 of the natural minor scale. Relative keys share a key signature; parallel keys share a tonic.
For production, a sample labelled “C major” and one labelled “A minor” may share pitches, but their chords and resolution can still clash. Use these notes as a starting point and listen to the harmony.
This tool uses natural minor for the shared-note relationship. Harmonic minor raises degree 7; melodic minor also raises degree 6 when ascending in the classical convention. Explore those sounds in Grimoire or Key chords.