How to easily identify key signatures in a flash!
Written by Bernardt James (aka Cobus van der Walt) on 29 March, 2018
I’m sure you’ve heard of the “Circle of fifths”?
Surely there must be another way ?
Well… there is an easy/easier way:
How to identify sharps key signatures:
- Look at your key given signature.
- Look at the last written sharp #.
- Your answer is the note that follows the last sharp # That is your Key!
How to identify flat key signatures:
- Look at your given key signature.
- Identify the 2nd last flat b.
- That is your key !
Note: the only flat key signature you’ll have to remember is F, because there is no 2nd last flat b.
F major = 1 flat b = Bb
Also learn your "Father Charles" mnemonic:
Sharps # Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Flats b Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles's Father
This is the order of your flats / sharps(The correct order they must be written down)
Now you can work out backwards to write your key signatures on your own 😊
I really hope this helps.
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@bernardtjames
web https://www.bernardtjames.com
https://www.keyzpiano.com My Music School
Other posts of interest:
https://steemit.com/classical-music/@bernardtjames/why-do-you-have-to-practice-scales
https://steemit.com/classical-music/@bernardtjames/your-brain-on-piano-neurological-benefits-that-music-lessons-gave-you
https://steemit.com/classicalmusic/@bernardtjames/interpretation-of-classical-music-how-did-the-great-composers-really-perform-and-express-their-own-songs
