relative major

noun

Music.

1. the major key whose tonic is the third degree of a given minor key.

Word History and Origins

Origin of relative major¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Even though they have the same key signature, a minor key and its relative major sound very different.

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The pattern for the minor scale starts a half step plus a whole step lower than the major scale pattern, so a relative minor is always three half steps lower than its relative major.

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You may find it helpful to notice that the "relative major" of the Dorian begins one whole step lower.

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I can’t say that it has to be in a major key or go to the chorus to get to the relative major to get that lift, because that isn’t really what happens.

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While the notes are identical in both, the effect upon the ear is different, according to the starting note, just as the descending melodic minor scale is de facto the same as the relative major scale, but not in its effect.

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