Every major scale has a relative minor scale. The relative minor scale begins on the sixth note of the major scale. Relative scales have the same notes. Below is the C major scale and its relative minor scale, the A minor scale. Roman numerals are used to identify degrees.

A minor is the relative minor scale of C major. C major is the relative major scale of A minor.

Relative major scales start on the third degree of minor scales, and relative scales share the same key signature. Some examples are: