Course 2: Intermediate Readers
Unit 3: Key Signatures
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F Major
The flat symbol before the time signature is called the key signature. The key signature appears at the start of every system (each staff line), and key signatures are highly structured orders of accidentals that create the same relationship of notes between Do, Re, Mi, etc. at a different pitch level. In practice mode, you can alter the key up an down to see the same melody expressed in different keys, but performance mode is now locked into one flat, F major, where the pitch F is now called Do.
Treble Clef,
Fmaj,
4/4
The flat symbol before the time signature is called the key signature. The key signature appears at the start of every system (each staff line), and key signatures are highly structured orders of accidentals that create the same relationship of notes between Do, Re, Mi, etc. at a different pitch level. In practice mode, you can alter the key up an down to see the same melody expressed in different keys, but performance mode is now locked into one flat, F major, where the pitch F is now called Do.
G major
This exercise is locked to G major where the pitch G is Do. It isn't just a coincidence that our first two alterations of pitch were Fi (F#) and Te (Bb). Both F and G major are just one note different from C major (which has no flats or sharps). Both F and G majors are considered closely related keys to C.
Treble Clef,
Gmaj,
4/4
This exercise is locked to G major where the pitch G is Do. It isn't just a coincidence that our first two alterations of pitch were Fi (F#) and Te (Bb). Both F and G major are just one note different from C major (which has no flats or sharps). Both F and G majors are considered closely related keys to C.
F# Major
Keys with a lot of accidentals are sometimes intimidating to new readers. You may find that remembering what notes aren't affected by the key signature helpful. In this exercise, Fa (B) is the only note that isn't sharp from the key signature (that is until we get an accidental in measure 4 temporarily making Fi).
Treble Clef,
F#maj,
4/4
Keys with a lot of accidentals are sometimes intimidating to new readers. You may find that remembering what notes aren't affected by the key signature helpful. In this exercise, Fa (B) is the only note that isn't sharp from the key signature (that is until we get an accidental in measure 4 temporarily making Fi).
E Major
There are other major key signatures not demonstrated in this unit. Use our key signature tool to explore how key signatures are constructed. Watch how the pattern B-E-A-D-G-C-F changes with the change of keys. https://thesightreadinglab.com/keys/
Treble Clef,
Emaj,
4/4
There are other major key signatures not demonstrated in this unit. Use our key signature tool to explore how key signatures are constructed. Watch how the pattern B-E-A-D-G-C-F changes with the change of keys. https://thesightreadinglab.com/keys/
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