The R Transform
R on C, voice by voice: the chords it pairs, the voice that steps, the source's own words, and every chord each side spells.
On C, R (Relative) pairs C (C E G) with Am (A C E): 1 voice steps, 2 hold, and the lead costs 2 semitones.
| Voice | Becomes | Step |
|---|---|---|
| C | C | holds |
| E | E | holds |
| G | A | +2 |
What each side spells
- C: C
- Am: Am
As the source prints it
Relative relates a major triad and the minor triad a minor third lower, such as C and Ami.
The Relative transformation (R) preserves the major third in the triad and moves the remaining note by whole tone.Its example:
C and Ami.
— Open Music Theory, 2nd edition, 5.14 Neo-Riemannian Triadic Progressions; Mark Gotham, Kyle Gullings, Chelsey Hamm, Bryn Hughes, Brian Jarvis, Megan Lavengood and John Peterson. The source, read 2026-10-25.
Rank every pairing of C and Am in the calculator · Every chord one voice from C