key

Definition: A key in music is:

1. A group of notes upon which scale is based; the specific pattern of notes that governs a song.
   
   A key is identified by its key signature, which shows the number of sharps or flats in its scale. A key is named after its keynote; F major’s keynote is F, C# minor’s keynote is C#, and so on.
   
   See relative keys.



2. The black and white levers on a piano that initiate sound are called piano keys, and make up the piano “keyboard” or “manual.”

Also Known As:

1.  tonalità (It); tonalité (Fr); Tonart (Ger)

2.  tasto (It); touche (Fr); Taste (Ger)


Pronunciation: keee


More on Musical Keys:

• How to Read Key Signatures
• Tour the Key Signatures
• Take the Key Signature Quiz
• The 6 Enharmonic Keys
• The “Forgotten” Key Signatures

More on the Piano Keyboard:

• Piano Keyboard Layout
• Layout of the Black Keys
• Quiz on the Piano Key Notes
• Find Middle C on Different Keyboard Sizes
• Piano Key Frequencies & Pitch Names