Definition: A key signature is a pattern of sharps or flats at the very beginning of a staff, which represents a song’s key. The key signature comes between the clef and the time signature.
A key signature has either sharps or flats, never both. The number of accidentals in a key signature ranges from 0 to 7; C-sharp and C-flat major have seven sharps and flats, respectively, while C major has none.
See keynote.
A key signature has either sharps or flats, never both. The number of accidentals in a key signature ranges from 0 to 7; C-sharp and C-flat major have seven sharps and flats, respectively, while C major has none.
See keynote.
Key Signature Accidental Patterns
The order of the accidentals written in a key signature is as follows (notice the pattern is simply reversed):
- Sharps: F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
- Flats: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
To memorize the pattern of accidentals, try these mnemonic devices:
#’s – Fine china gets dirty after eating beets
b’s – Bread eaten at dinner gets children full
Continue Learning About Key Signatures:
Also Known As:
- armatura (It)
- armure (Fr)
- Vorzeichen (Ger)
