Printable worksheet
Relative Keys Worksheet
Free relative keys worksheet: match each major key with its relative minor, and the reverse, by name or from the key signature on the staff. Printable.
Relative Keys Worksheet
Sheet #
Name Date Score /
Answer key
Relative Keys Worksheet · Sheet #
How to use it
- Choose a difficulty, the direction (major to minor, minor to major or both) and the question style.
- Press New worksheet for a fresh set.
- To find the relative minor, count down three semitones (a minor 3rd) from the major key; to find the relative major, count up three semitones from the minor key.
- Show answers to check, or print the answer page.
This worksheet practises relative keys: pairs of one major and one minor key that share a key signature. Knowing them quickly lets you work out the key of a piece in either mode from the number of sharps or flats.
The rule#
- Relative minor of a major key: three semitones (a minor 3rd) below the major tonic, or the 6th degree of the major scale. D major gives B minor.
- Relative major of a minor key: three semitones above the minor tonic, or the 3rd degree of the natural minor scale. G minor gives B-flat major.
Question styles#
- Keys named in words: “What is the relative minor of E major?” or “Which major key has the same key signature as B-flat minor?”
- Key signature on the staff: the signature of one key is shown and named, and you name its relative key. This gives practice with treble, bass, alto and tenor clefs.
Difficulty levels#
- Easy: keys with up to three sharps or flats.
- Medium: up to five sharps or flats.
- Hard: all fifteen key signatures.
You can ask for minor-from-major questions, major-from-minor, or both. If the level contains fewer distinct questions than the number you request, the sheet borrows from neighbouring levels so that no question repeats.
Frequently asked questions
What are relative keys?
A major key and a minor key that share the same key signature, for example C major and A minor (no sharps or flats), or D major and B minor (two sharps).
How do I find the relative minor of a major key?
Go down a minor 3rd (three semitones, three letter names) from the major tonic, or start on the 6th degree of the major scale. The relative minor of E-flat major is C minor.
How do I find the relative major of a minor key?
Go up a minor 3rd from the minor tonic, or start on the 3rd degree of the natural minor scale. The relative major of F-sharp minor is A major.
How are relative keys different from parallel keys?
Parallel keys share the same tonic but have different signatures (C major and C minor). Relative keys share the signature but have different tonics.