How to easily identify key signatures in a flash!

Written by Bernardt James (aka Cobus van der Walt) on 29 March, 2018

I’m sure you’ve heard of the “Circle of fifths”?
Surely there must be another way ?
Well… there is an easy/easier way:

How to identify sharps key signatures:

1. Look at your key given signature.
2. Look at the last written sharp #.
3. Your answer is the note that follows the last sharp # That is your Key!
   

How to identify flat key signatures:

1. Look at your given key signature.
2. Identify the 2nd last flat b.
3. That is your key !
   Note: the only flat key signature you’ll have to remember is F, because there is no 2nd last flat b.
   F major = 1 flat b = Bb
   

Also learn your "Father Charles" mnemonic:

Sharps # Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
Flats b Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles's Father

This is the order of your flats / sharps(The correct order they must be written down)

Now you can work out backwards to write your key signatures on your own 😊

I really hope this helps.

Follow me @bernardtjames
web https://www.bernardtjames.com
https://www.keyzpiano.com My Music School

Other posts of interest:

https://steemit.com/classical-music/@bernardtjames/why-do-you-have-to-practice-scales

https://steemit.com/classical-music/@bernardtjames/your-brain-on-piano-neurological-benefits-that-music-lessons-gave-you

https://steemit.com/classicalmusic/@bernardtjames/interpretation-of-classical-music-how-did-the-great-composers-really-perform-and-express-their-own-songs