Lesson 5

Theory

Relative Minor

We have learned that major scales are built with a certain formula and we have learned that chords are built from scales.

We have focused on Major Scales and the Chords in the Key of C Major however every major key has a Relative Minor. A Relative Minor will share all the notes of its related major.

Scales

G Major and E Minor in Open

The G major scale is built the same way the C major scale was built, using the formula:

W W H W W W H

G A B C D E F#

G Major Scale

However this time when we end up on the E we need to go a whole step which means we are taken to F#. So now we know the G major scale has and F# in it and the key of G major has one sharp and that one sharp is F#.

G Major Scale 2 Octaves

E Minor Scale 2 Octaves

Scale Lesson 5

Chords

Open G Chord

In Chord Lesson 3 we learned the diatonic triads that belonged to the key of C major by building a C major scale and we learned the V chord in the key of C was a G major chord.

We could also build a G major scale, in which case the G would be the I chord.

Either way we end up with the notes:

G B D

G

Chord Lesson 5