Module 5

Question 1

what are relative keys?

Answer 1

Major and minor keys that have the same key signature

Question 2

define relative minor keys?

Answer 2

The tonic of the relative minor key is three semitones below the tonic of its relative major key. C major’s relative minor is A minor.

Question 3

define the natural minor scale, and the structure

Answer 3

The natural minor will share the key signature of its relative major and no other notes will be raised or lowered beyond the key signature. The structure is: W-H-W-W-H-W-W.

Question 4

define the harmonic scale and its structure

Answer 4

Although it shares the same key signature as the relative major, the seventh note or leading tone is always raised by a half step. The seventh note will be raised by a sharp or natural sign, but not included in the key signature. The structure is: WS-HS-WS-WS-HS-AUG2-HS.

Question 5

define augmented second

Answer 5

A major 2nd raised by a half step – ex. F to G#

Question 6

what is the melodic minor scale?

Answer 6

The sixth and seventh notes are each raised by a half step as the scale ascends, and both lowered by a half step on the way down

Question 7

what is a parallel minor/major?

Answer 7

major and minor keys that share a tonic; although they begin on the same note, the minor will share its key signature with its relative major, not its parallel major.