How to tell the major key from the key signature
Sharps (#): Go up a tone from the last sharp symbol on the stave (the one furthest to the right) and this will give you your root note (a.k.a the key).
Flats (b): Go to the second to last flat symbol on the stave and that is your root note (a.k.a the key)-(This only works if there's two or more flat symbols on the stave. When there's only one it is in F major).
Flats (b): Go to the second to last flat symbol on the stave and that is your root note (a.k.a the key)-(This only works if there's two or more flat symbols on the stave. When there's only one it is in F major).
How to find the relative minor
Once you know your major root note you can find you relative minor root note. To do this go down a minor 3rd (a.k.a three semi tones) and this will bring you to the root note of the relative minor. (Or visa versa to bring you back to the relative major).
Relative minor scales
- Natural minor : Uses all the same notes as in it's relative major.
- Harmonic minor : Uses all the same notes as in it's relative major, except with a flattened 7th.
- Melodic minor : Uses all the same notes as in it's relative major, except with a flattened 6th and 7th on the way up the scale. However on the way down it uses all the same notes as it's relative major (without the flattened 6th or 7th).