The rule: three frets down
The relative minor of a major key shares its notes and its key signature. Its root is the sixth note of the major scale, which is three frets (a minor third) below the major root.
On the neck, that makes it a one-step trick. Find the major root, then move three frets toward the nut on the same string.
- C is the 3rd fret of the A string. Three frets down is the open A string, so the relative minor of C is A minor.
- G is the 3rd fret of the low E string. Three frets down is the open E string: E minor.
- D is the 5th fret of the A string. Three frets down is the 2nd fret: B, so B minor.
Going the other way, from a minor key to its relative major, move three frets up.
Why it works
Play the C major scale and count: C D E F G A B. The sixth note is A. Now start the same seven notes on A: A B C D E F G. That is A natural minor. Nothing changed but the starting note, and with it the note that feels like home. Over a C chord, C is home and the sound is bright. Over an Am chord, A is home and the same notes sound darker.
All 12 relative minor pairs
Each row gives the major key, its relative minor, and the fret of the relative minor's root on the low E string, to put the rule in your fingers. For the sharps and flats in each key, see the key signature table.
| Major key | Relative minor | Minor root, low E string |
|---|---|---|
| C | A minor | fret 5 |
| G | E minor | open |
| D | B minor | fret 7 |
| A | F♯ minor | fret 2 |
| E | C♯ minor | fret 9 |
| B | G♯ minor | fret 4 |
| F♯ / G♭ | D♯ minor / E♭ minor | fret 11 |
| D♭ | B♭ minor | fret 6 |
| A♭ | F minor | fret 1 |
| E♭ | C minor | fret 8 |
| B♭ | G minor | fret 3 |
| F | D minor | fret 10 |
Example: A minor pentatonic over a C major song
Say a song uses C, F, G and Am, so it is in C major. Its relative minor is A minor, and the A minor pentatonic scale is A – C – D – E – G. Those are the same five notes as C major pentatonic (C – D – E – G – A), and every one is a note of C major. You can play the familiar A minor pentatonic Box 1 at the 5th fret and it fits.
Same box, new roots
In Box 1 (frets 5 to 8) the A roots are on the low E string at fret 5, the D string at fret 7 and the high E string at fret 5. For C major, the C notes in the same box are on the low E string at fret 8, the G string at fret 5 and the high E string at fret 8. Same frets, different target notes.
What to land on
| Chord | Good notes to land on | Careful with |
|---|---|---|
| C | C, E, G | nothing; D and A are fine passing notes |
| F | A, C | G and E sound tense if held |
| G | G, D | C sounds tense if held; E and A are fine |
| Am | A, C, E | nothing; D and G are fine passing notes |
Start simple: stay in Box 1, play a short phrase over each chord and end it on a note from the middle column. For a brighter, major sound, finish phrases on C. For a darker, bluesier sound, finish on A.
Seeing it on the neck
Pick C major in Fretkit and the notes light up across the fretboard with the roots marked. Switch to A minor and the same notes are lit, with A as the root. It is a quick way to see why one shape serves both keys. Fretkit shows you the notes; the phrasing is still your job.
See both keys on one fretboard
Fretkit lights up scales, chords and the circle of fifths on a fretboard you'll want to look at, plus a fast tuner. Free to start, for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Get Fretkit on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
How do you find the relative minor of a key on guitar?
Go three frets down from the major root on the same string. From C (3rd fret, A string) that lands on the open A string: A minor.
What is the relative minor of C major?
A minor. Both use C D E F G A B, with no sharps or flats.
Can I play A minor pentatonic over a C major song?
Yes. A minor pentatonic is the same five notes as C major pentatonic, all inside C major. Land on chord tones and treat the odd clash, such as C over a G chord, as a passing note.