Major and Minor Keys
Definition
Major and minor keys are the two most common tonalities in Western music. A major key has a bright and happy sound, while a minor key has a darker and sadder sound.
Related terms
Key Signature: A set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the key of a piece.
Relative Keys: Major and minor keys that share the same key signature. For example, C major is the relative major of A minor.
Parallel Keys: Major and minor keys that have the same tonic note but different key signatures. For example, C major is parallel to C minor.
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