The Minor scale formula is: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step.
A Relative Minor scale is always built from the sixth note of a Major scale.
Example #1: C Major scale: C W D W E H F W G W A W B H C. A Relative Minor: A W B H C W D W E H F W G W A.
Example #2: G Major scale: G W A W B H C W D W E W F# H G. A Relative Minor: E W F# H G W A W B H C W D W E.
Rule of Thumb: When locating the Relative Minor, always remember it is the sixth note of the Major scale. A quick way to think of it is, three notes backwards from your octave note. Example #1: C H B W A. Example #2: G H F# W E.
So when remembering these formula’s, think of it as this: Major Scale Formula = 2 wholes - 1 half, 3 wholes - 1half. Minor Scale Formula = 1 whole - 1 half, 2 wholes - 1 half, 2 wholes.
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