12A C♯ minor
12A is the code for C♯ minor on the 1A–12B key wheel used by DJ software. Rekordbox's classic notation shows it as Dbm, and Traktor's Open Key notation as 5m.
Notes
The C♯ minor scale is made of these seven notes:
- 1C♯
- 2D♯
- 3E
- 4F♯
- 5G♯
- 6A
- 7B
Check your track against this key by ear: the scale and tonic chord are synthesized in your browser.
Chords in the key
Triads built from the scale's own notes. In production and mashups, these chords fit the key.
- iC♯m
- ii°D♯dim
- IIIE
- ivF♯m
- vG♯m
- VIA
- VIIB
Compatible moves
While a track in 12A is playing, moving to these keys sounds harmonic. The more notes two keys share, the smoother the blend.
| Move | Key | Shared notes | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same key | 12A C♯ minor | 7/7 | The safest move. Two tracks can play over each other for a long time. |
| Relative key | 12B E major | 7/7 | The same seven notes; moves from minor to major and lifts the mood. |
| One step up (+1) | 1A A♭ minor | 6/7 | A fifth up. Raises the energy a notch; only one note differs. |
| One step down (−1) | 11A F♯ minor | 6/7 | A fifth down. Lowers the energy slightly and relaxes; only one note differs. |
| Diagonal move | 1B B major | 6/7 | +1 and switch letter: from minor to the next major. Only one note differs. |
| Two steps up (+2) | 2A E♭ minor | 5/7 | A whole tone up; a clear energy lift. Needs a short, clean transition. |
| Semitone up (+7) | 7A D minor | 2/7 | The well-known “energy boost”. Few shared notes, so use it for a quick transition without vocals. |
| Parallel key | 3B D♭ major | 4/7 | Same root note, other mode. The mood changes noticeably; use with care. |
When you change the pitch
With key lock off, changing the pitch also shifts 12A. About 6% equals one semitone; values in between land between two keys and sound out of tune.
| Pitch | Semitones | Resulting key |
|---|---|---|
| -8% | -1.44 | ≈ 5A C minor between keys |
| -6% | -1.07 | 5A C minor |
| -4% | -0.71 | ≈ 5A C minor between keys |
| -2% | -0.35 | ≈ 12A C♯ minor between keys |
| +2% | +0.34 | ≈ 12A C♯ minor between keys |
| +4% | +0.68 | ≈ 7A D minor between keys |
| +6% | +1.01 | 7A D minor |
| +8% | +1.33 | ≈ 7A D minor between keys |
Notations
- CrateKeys · Rekordbox (alphanumeric)
- 12A
- Camelot® (Mixed In Key)
- 12A
- Open Key (Traktor)
- 5m
- Classic (Rekordbox)
- Dbm
- Key name
- C sharp minor
Neighboring keys
All keys
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