Learning Targets
I can build a key signature based on a major scale.
I can infer a major scale based on a given key signature.
I can infer a major scale based on a given key signature.
Overview
Key signatures tell us what notes are sharp or flat in the piece. The notes remain sharp or flat for the entire piece unless changed with accidentals within measures of the piece. Using a given key signature, we can usually infer the major scale of the piece. One sharp usually tells us that we are playing in the key of G major.
REMEMBER
- There are only 12 key signatures.
- Key signatures are made up of either ONLY flats or ONLY sharps. It never mixes
- Accidentals in the key signature appear in the SAME order. It never changes. Flats always appear BEADGFC. Sharps always appear FCGDAEB
Circle of Fifths
Use the circle of fifths to memorize all key signatures.
Tricks
MEMORIZE no flats and sharps is C Major
MEMORIZE 1 flat is F Major.
For flat key signatures: Take the 2nd most right flat sign. That is the major scale.
Example: The key signature has 4 flats, B, E, A, and D. The 2nd most right flat sign is A. The key is Ab major.
For sharp key signatures: Take the right most sharp sign and go up one letter. That is the major scale.
Example: The key signature has two sharps, F and C. Take the right most sharp which is C, go one letter up, and you get D. This key signature indicates the key of D Major
MEMORIZE 1 flat is F Major.
For flat key signatures: Take the 2nd most right flat sign. That is the major scale.
Example: The key signature has 4 flats, B, E, A, and D. The 2nd most right flat sign is A. The key is Ab major.
For sharp key signatures: Take the right most sharp sign and go up one letter. That is the major scale.
Example: The key signature has two sharps, F and C. Take the right most sharp which is C, go one letter up, and you get D. This key signature indicates the key of D Major