What is the best way to identify correctly if a song is in C major scale or A minor scale, because notes are all the same?

Question

What is the best way to identify correctly if a song is in C major scale or A minor scale, because notes are all the same?

In: Other

Answer 1

If you’re listening to the song, then the melody should give you a good idea. There is typically a strong sense of what the “home” note is.

If you’re simply looking at a chord progression, then there might not be a straightforward way – although many songs tend to resolve to the I chord so that might be a clue.