READING KEY SIGNATURES

A piece of music is written in a particular key which defines the pitch of the scale in which the music is written. We indicate the key by a key signature. The purpose of the key signature is to indicate the sharps or flats that belong in each individual scale. It eases the eye by avoiding the placing of sharps or flats against particular notes every time they occur in the arrangement. we write the key signature simply by placing the appropriate number of sharps or flats on the music staff after the clef sign and before the time signature. They effect all designated notes appearing in the arrangement.

As previously explained, key signatures are used to establish keys and to indicate what notes must be raised or lowered in order to maintain the step, half-step pattern that establishes the major diatonic scale.

The key of C Major is the simplest of our scales. Commencing on the note C, the diatonic step, half step pattern produces a scale without sharps or flats. The method by which the placement of accidentals occurs follows a very simplistic theme and is called the Circle of Fifths.

The Circle of Fifths is a visual device that shows the relationship between the Tonic, and the sub-dominant and dominant notes within the diatonic scale. It presents in logical order the addition of required accidentals as keys of different pitch are created. The Circle of Fifths is based upon two concepts.

Starting with the key of C, sharp keys are created by counting up an interval of a fifth (CDEFG) The key is G Major. The note G is the fifth note in the C scale. In order to maintain the proper step, half-step pattern, the seventh note of the new scale G, has been raised a half-step creating the sharp note in the G scale.

Starting with the key of C, flat keys are created by counting up an interval of a fourth (CDEF). The new key is F Major. The note F is the fourth note in the C scale. In order to maintain the proper step, half-step pattern, the seventh note has been lowered a half step, creating one flat in the F scale.