NRT – Relative Transformation

A Relative (R) transformation occurs between two chords that share two notes that stay the same with the third note moving by a whole step. If starting with a major triad, move the fifth up a whole step; if starting with a minor triad, move the root down a whole step.

The resulting triads will be the tonic triads  in two relative major and minor keys.

For example, a C major triad will transform to an A minor triad through a Relative (R) Transformation.

C major and A minor are relative major/minor keys. Think of this transformation as moving from major to relative minor or vice versa. Or think of it as two notes staying the same (in this case, C and E) and the other note moving by whole step (G to A).

This Leading tone (L) transformation, C major -> E  minor, can be visualized as:

Example:

In Measures 1-2 of Christian Sinding’s (1856-1941) Rustle of Spring (1896), there is a Bb minor triad that goes to a Db Major triad. 

The Bb minor has a Relative relationship to the Db major triad.

See how these two chords are mapped on the Tonnetz below: