How to Remember Relative Minors
Understanding and remembering relative minors is an essential skill for anyone studying music theory. Relative minors are a key concept in music, as they provide a deeper understanding of the relationships between different keys. However, many musicians find it challenging to remember the relative minors of various major keys. In this article, we will explore some effective strategies to help you remember relative minors effortlessly.
1. Use a Mnemonic Device
Mnemonic devices are a fantastic way to remember information by associating it with something more memorable. One popular mnemonic device for remembering relative minors is the phrase “Every Good Boy Deserves Fun.” This phrase corresponds to the first letters of the lines in the treble clef staff: E, G, B, D, and F. By associating each letter with a major key, you can easily recall the relative minors. For example, E major’s relative minor is C minor, which corresponds to the letter E in the mnemonic.
2. Practice with Chords
Another effective method to remember relative minors is by practicing chords. Start by learning the major and minor chords of each key. For instance, if you’re working on the key of C major, learn the C major chord and its relative minor chord, A minor. By playing these chords and listening to their sounds, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between the major and relative minor keys.
3. Use a Table
Creating a table with the major keys and their corresponding relative minors can be a helpful visual aid. This table can be placed on your music stand or kept in a convenient location for quick reference. By reviewing the table regularly, you’ll reinforce your memory of the relative minors.
4. Learn the Circle of Fifths
The Circle of Fifths is a valuable tool for understanding the relationships between major and minor keys. By learning the Circle of Fifths, you can easily identify the relative minor of any major key. The Circle of Fifths shows that each major key is a fifth above its relative minor. For example, C major is a fifth above A minor, and G major is a fifth above E minor.
5. Apply the Knowledge in Music
The best way to remember something is to apply it in real-life situations. Start by incorporating relative minors into your music practice. Try writing a melody in a major key and then harmonize it with its relative minor. This will help you understand the emotional contrast between the two keys and strengthen your memory of the relative minors.
6. Teach Others
Teaching others is a powerful way to reinforce your own knowledge. By explaining the concept of relative minors to someone else, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the subject and, in turn, improve your memory.
In conclusion, remembering relative minors can be a challenging task, but by using mnemonic devices, practicing chords, utilizing a table, learning the Circle of Fifths, applying the knowledge in music, and teaching others, you can master this essential music theory concept. With consistent practice and these effective strategies, you’ll soon find yourself effortlessly recalling the relative minors of various major keys.
