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Relative Major and Minor Worksheet (Printable, with Answers)

Free printable relative major and minor worksheet: name the relative key, read key signatures, or write the scale. Three levels, answers included.

Relative Major and Minor Worksheet (Printable, with Answers)

Sheet #

Name Date Score /

    Answer key

    Relative Major and Minor Worksheet (Printable, with Answers) · Sheet #

      How to use it

      1. Choose naming exercises, scale-writing exercises, or a mix.
      2. Find each relative key, or write the scale on the staff (the key signature is given).
      3. Press Show answers to check; each explanation names the key signature both keys share.
      4. Print the questions and the answer page, or press New sheet for another set.

      What this worksheet practises#

      Each major key has a relative minor that shares its key signature, and each minor key has a relative major. The sheet mixes four kinds of question:

      • the relative minor of a major key;
      • the relative major of a minor key;
      • a key signature on the staff, for which you name both the major key and its relative minor;
      • writing the relative scale on the staff (natural minor from a major key, or major from a minor key) with the key signature already given.

      Method#

      From the major tonic, count down three half steps to a note whose letter is two letters lower: C to A, G to E, E♭ to C. From the minor tonic, go up three half steps and two letters. For a key signature, the major key is the one whose sharps or flats match, and the relative minor is its 6th degree.

      What each level contains#

      • Easy: keys with up to three sharps or flats.
      • Medium: up to five.
      • Hard: up to seven, including F♯/D♯ minor, C♯/A♯ minor and C♭/A♭ minor.

      With “sharp keys only” or “flat keys only” selected, the sheet may include a few keys just beyond the level’s limit so that enough different questions are available.

      Frequently asked questions

      What are relative major and minor keys?

      Two keys that share the same key signature. C major and A minor both have no sharps or flats; E♭ major and C minor both have three flats.

      How do I find the relative minor of a major key?

      Go down a minor third (three half steps, two letter names) from the major tonic. It is also the 6th degree of the major scale: the 6th note of G major is E, so E minor is its relative.

      How do I find the relative major of a minor key?

      Go up a minor third from the minor tonic. It is the 3rd degree of the minor scale: the 3rd note of D minor is F, so F major is its relative.

      Do relative keys use the same scale notes?

      Yes, for natural minor: A natural minor and C major contain the same seven notes. Harmonic and melodic minor change the 7th (and 6th) degree with accidentals.

      Which keys appear at each level?

      Easy: up to 3 sharps or flats. Medium: up to 5. Hard: up to 7.

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      Reference