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What percentage of music is in minor keys?

It is difficult to provide an exact percentage for the amount of music written in minor keys as it varies considerably. Minor keys are associated with emotions such as sadness, melancholy, and introspection, and are widely used in a variety of musical genres. Some genres, such as blues and classical music, often feature minor keys, while others, such as pop and dance music, tend to favor major keys.

To give a rough estimate, some studies suggest that approximately 20-30% of Western classical music is in minor keys. In popular music, the proportion of minor key songs appears to be significantly lower, likely under 10%, but this may vary depending on the specific time period, artist, and genre. Overall, the usage of minor keys in music reflects cultural and artistic preferences that can evolve over time, making it difficult to pinpoint a precise percentage.

Music Basics

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