MGW 5-1 [Parallel Keys – Identifying Key]

Major Pentachord

First 5 notes of the major scale

Minor Pentachord

First 5 notes of a major scale, but scale degree 3 is lowered a half step

Parallel Keys

Share the same tonic, but have different key signatures

How do we show a scale degree is lowered a half step?

Place a b symbol in front

Relative Keys

Share the same key signature, but have different tonics

Why do we use parallel and relative keys?

They are used to create a sense of motion, musical interest, and to vary the color and mood of the piece

How do we find relative keys?

Use the same key signature, your tonic is a third below

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of C major

Am; 0#/0b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of G major

Em; 1#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of D major

Bm; 2#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of A major

F#m; 3#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of E major

C#m; 4#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of B major

G#m; 5#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of F# major

D#m; 6#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of C# major

A#m; 7#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of F major

Dm; 1b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of Bb major

Gm; 2b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of Eb major

Cm; 3b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of Ab major

Fm; 4b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of Db major

Bbm; 5b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of Gb major

Ebm; 6b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Relative minor of Cb major

Abm; 7b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of C major

Cm; 3b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of G major

Gm; 2b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of D major

Dm; 1b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of A major

Am; 0#/0b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of E major

Em; 1#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of B major

Bm; 2#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of F# major

F#m; 3#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of C# major

C#m; 4#

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of F major

Fm; 4b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of Bb major

Bbm; 5b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of Eb major

Ebm; 6b

What is the key signature and tonic?
Parallel minor of Ab major

Abm; 7b

What are the three steps to identify a key?

1. Look at the key signature and think about major or minor;
2. Look at the beginning notes/chords;
3. Look at the ending notes/chords and see what tonic is