relative minor

noun

, Music.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of relative minor¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Then follows an Intermezzo in the key of the relative minor.

From Project Gutenberg

Then after a modulation to the key of the relative minor, a return is made to the opening key and the opening theme.

From Project Gutenberg

A minor scale having the same signature as a major scale is said to be its relative minor.

From Project Gutenberg

It is cast in the relative minor (C) of the pentatonic scale of E♭ major.

From Project Gutenberg

The song is cast mostly in the relative minor (G♯) of the pentatonic scale of B♮ major.

From Project Gutenberg