How to Play Major and Minor Related Keys in Jazz Guitar

Once you have learned some basic scale, chords and songs, it is time to move on to more intermediate-level lessons. In jazz guitar, it is important to know the relationship between major and minor related keys. Use the guide below to learn the difference between G major and E minor keys.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find the relative minor note of any given major note. The first way to find the note is to determine the sixth note of the major scale. For instance, if the G major scale is G, A, B, C, D, E, F sharp and G, then the relative minor note to major is E, since it is the sixth note.

2. Find the relative minor note another way. Find the note by placing your fingers on the frets for the notes. Move backwards in the scale 3 frets. For a G major scale, this should once again land your fingers on an E.

3. Play a G major scale. Play this scale by playing the notes as follows: G, A, B, C, D, E, F sharp, and G.

4. Play an E minor scale as follows: E, F sharp, G, A, B, C, D and E. The notes in the relative keys are the same, but they begin and end at different points.

5. Play a G major or E minor tonic chord. Do this by playing G major 7, A minor 7, B minor 7, C major 7, B7, E minor 7, F sharp minor 7 flat 5, and G major 7.

6. Know where to begin and end on the scale. This depends on whether it is a major or minor chord. The E minor scale is played as follows: E minor 7, F sharp minor 7 flat 5, G major 7, A minor 7, B minor 7, C major 7, B7 and finally E minor 7.