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5.3.3 Relative Minor, Major: C Major, A Minor Example
As you saw in Figure 32, the key of C major and the key of A minor use the same set of notes. All the white notes on the piano. No sharps or flats. To play a scale in the key of C major on the piano, you start on the note C and play the white notes only, up to the next C. To play a scale in the key of A minor, you start on the note A and play the white notes only, up to the next A.
Every major key, such as the key of C major, has a “related” minor key, such as the of A minor. Both keys always use exactly the same set of notes.
The key of A minor is called the relative minor of the key of C major. By the same token, the key of C major is called the relative major of the key of A minor.
Both keys use the same notes, but in a different order:
Key of C major: C D E F G A B C
Key of A minor: A B C D E F G A