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John Baxter

For Sharp Keys Only:

The name of the key is a half step ABOVE the last sharp in the key.

Using A as an example, it has 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#). The last sharp is G#. A half step from there is A!

For Flat Keys Only:

The name of the key is the next to LAST flat in the key.

Using Eb as an example, it has 3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab). The next to last flat is Eb.
The tune is in Eb!

An exception to flats is that the key of F only has one flat (Bb). So, there is no next to last flat.

The key of C has no sharps or flats.

Notes in a Key

Now, how do you know what notes are in a key, without looking at the sheet music?

Memorize the following key sequence of notes, FORWARDS and BACKWARDS!

F C G D A E B (order of the SHARPS)

Now backwards:

B E A D G C F (order of the FLATS)

You may have noticed that enbedded in the key sequence are G D A E. Look familiar? (and for you mandola players, C G D A).

Now, this gets a little tricky, but the key sequence represents the order of sharps and flats. Lets take A again as an example.

We know that A has three sharps. (the Key Signature Flash Cards will help you memorize the number of sharps and flats in each key).

So, what are the notes in the key of A?

The scale sequence is: A B C D E F G A

But, these are not the notes for the A scale.

Remember the key sequence F C G D A E B ?

Always start with F. Keep in mind that each time a sharp or flat is added, the ones before it are retained.

So, starting with F, and going up 3 notes (3 sharps in A), we get F#, C#, G#.

Plug these into the scale, and you have:

A B C# D E F# G# A

Now, what about the key of Ab? (Ab has 4 flats)

Again, the scale sequence is: A B C D E F G A

Now, start with B in the key sequence (remember, the key sequence is read backwards for flats).

B E A D G C F

Going up 4 notes (4 flats in Ab), we get Bb, Eb, Ab, Db.

Plug these into the scale, and you have:

Ab Bb C Db Eb F G Ab

Key Signature Chart for Sharps

Key Sequence: F C G D A E B
No. of sharps: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Key of G F#            
Key of D F# C#          
Key of A F# C# G#        
Key of E F# C# G# D#      
Key of B F# C# G# D# A#    
Key of F# F# C# G# D# A# E# (F)  
Key of C# F# C# G# D# A# E# (F) B#


Key Signature Chart for Flats

Key Sequence: B E A D G C
No. of flats: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Key of F Bb          
Key of Bb Bb Eb        
Key of Eb Bb Eb Ab      
Key of Ab Bb Eb Ab Db    
Key of Db Bb Eb Ab Db Gb
Key of Gb Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb (B)