key signature

Key signatures with a double barline.
The key signatures of E-flat major and A major. Image © Brandy Kraemer

Definition of Key Signature:

A key signature is a pattern of accidentals (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.

 

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:
#’sFine china gets dirty after eating beets
b’sBread eaten at dinner gets children full

Continue Learning About Key Signatures:

 

 

Also Known As:

  • armatura (It)
  • armure (Fr)
  • Vorzeichen (Ger)

Pronunciation: kee'  ssig-nə-tchər


Musical Symbols:
Staff & Barlines
The Grand Staff
Key Signatures
Time Signatures
Note Lengths
Dotted Notes
Music Rests
Tempo Commands
Accidentals
Articulation
Dynamics & Volume
8va & Octave Commands
Repeat Signs
Segno & Coda Signs
Pedal Marks
Piano Chords
Trills
Turns
Tremolos
Glissando
Mordents

Beginner Piano Lessons
▪  Notes of the Piano Keys
▪  The Point Of Double-Sharps
▪  Finding Middle C on the Piano
▪  Essential Piano Fingering
▪  Comparing Major & Minor Chords
Getting Started on Keyboards
▪  Finding the Right Piano Teacher
▪  Sitting Correctly at the Keys
▪  Playing Piano vs. Electric Keyboard
▪  How to Buy a Used Piano
Piano Chords
▪  Chord Types & Symbols in Sheet Music
▪  Root Notes & Chord Inversion
▪  Diminished Chords & Dissonance
▪  Essential Piano Chord Fingering
Piano Care
▪  Everyday Piano Care
▪  Safely Whiten Your Piano Keys
▪  When to Tune a Piano
▪  Piano Room Temps & Humidity Levels
Piano Recitals & Performing
▪  What to Eat & Drink Before a Performance
▪  Concert Etiquette for the Audience
▪  Warming Up for a Piano Performance
▪  Overcoming Mistakes On Stage
♫ Musical Quizzes!
● Identify the Piano Keys
● Key Signature Quiz

Reading Piano Music
• Note-Lengths in U.K. & U.S. English
• Notes of the Piano Keys
• Memorize the Grand Staff Notes
• Reading Music Rests
Piano Chords
• Easy Bass Piano Chords
• Chord Types & Symbols
• Piano Chord Fingering
• Diminished Chords & Dissonance
Reading Musical Symbols
• Note Accents & Articulation Marks
• How to Play Dotted Notes
• Accidentals & Double-Accidentals
Beginner Piano Lessons
• Comparing Major & Minor
• Understanding the Key Signature
• Types of Barlines
• BPM & Tempo Commands
• Left Hand Piano Fingering

Helpful Info For Owning a Piano
How to Safely Whiten Your Piano Keys
Learn ivory-safe methods for brightening up your acoustic piano keys, and find out what you can do to prevent keyboard yellowing.
When to Tune a Piano
Find out when (and how frequently) you should schedule a professional piano tuning to keep your piano healthy and on-pitch.
Easy-to-Spot Signs of Piano Damage
Before you buy or sell an acoustic piano, learn how to assess it for both internal and external damage.
Ideal Piano Temp & Humidity Levels
Learn how to maintain sound quality and piano health by monitoring the temperature, humidity, and natural light in your piano room.

Illustrated Piano Chords:

AbmajAbma7Abma9  | AbminAbm7Abm9  | AbdimAb°7  | AbaugAb+7  | Absus2Absus4