Key Signatures are a component of music theory that everyone should know. The problem? The way this information is taught is usually super confusing and requires a theory text book. In this video and post Key Signatures Explained, you'll learn it all in less than 10 minutes. Don't forget your free printable download!
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Why Do We need Key Signatures?
The world would be a very boring place if we only ever played in one key. The solution? Key Signatures.
The key signature is where flats or sharps are added to change the key.
Every major scale is made up of a progression of whole steps and half steps. As you can see in the graphic below, the order of whole steps and half steps for the major scale is as follows:
Whole step - Whole Step - Half Step - Whole Step - Whole Step - Whole Step - Half Step
In order to honor these half steps and whole steps, the key signatures - sharps and flats - are added.
How do the key signatures work.
First off, you have to remember that a key signature can only have sharps or flats. They don't ever mix together.
Sharps and flats are always written in the same order as you can see below.
How do you know what key signature each key has?
We are going to use our old friend, The Circle of 5ths.
Below you'll see the Circle of 5ths download with arrows and numbers.
When we go clockwise around the Circle of 5ths, we are adding SHARPS.
When we go counterclockwise around the Circle of 5ths we are adding FLATS.
Notice that as we go around the Circle of 5ths we are adding one sharp or flat.
You might also notice that there are a few keys that have two different names listed (Db/C#, F#/Gb, B/Cb) - these are called enharmonic equivalents.
How do you know what key signature each key has?
This is how I learned it when I was a child:
Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
When we add sharps, we add them going right to left: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#
When we add flats, we add them going left to right: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb
How can I master my key signatures?
Take some time to walk your way around the Circle of 5ths and practice working through "Father Charles". Once you are ready, take the free mini test in the free download.
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