Which statement describes the parallel minor?

• A. It shares the same key signature as its relative major
• B. It shares the same tonic and same key signature
• C. It shares the same tonic but a different key signature
• D. It shares the same tonic and same key signature

Answer: (C)

Parallel minor is defined by keeping the same root note (tonic) as the major key but changing the mood to minor, which requires a different key signature. For example, the parallel minor of C major is C minor: both start on C, but C major has no sharps or flats while C minor uses three flats (Bb, Eb, Ab). This shows the same tonic with a different key signature, which is exactly what the concept describes. If the key signature stayed the same as the major, you’d still have the major sound; if the tonic changed, you’d be in a different key altogether (often a relative minor or another key). So the idea that the parallel minor shares the same tonic but a different key signature best captures the relationship.