Scales and Key Signatures Understanding the principles of

Scales and Key Signatures Understanding the principles of Key Signatures and how they function in music

Tonality & Key Signatures � When determining what key a piece of music is in you must first refer to the key signature to give you a foundation for the tonal center of the piece. � Once you have assessed the information from the key signature you need to analyze the piece to be sure that the tonality of the piece and the key signature match. � The order of sharps in a key signature will ALWAYS appear in the same order. However, not all sharps will be present at all times. You must look at each key signature on an individual basis and read each key individually. › The order of sharps is: � The order of flats in a key signature will ALWAYS appear in the same order. However, not all flats will be present at all times. You must look at each key signature on an individual basis and read each key individually. › The order of flats is: � � FCGDAEB BEADGCF The order of sharps and flats are reciprocals of one another. Just remember which order is sharps and which is flats!

Determining Keys Based on the Key Signature � When reading a key signature when there are sharps in the key: › › › � When reading a key signature when there are flats in the key: › › � Go to the last sharp and name it (remember it will be named sharp) Go up ½ step That is your key Go to the 2 nd to last flat and name it (remember it will be named flat) That is your key (Remember it will have a flat in it’s name) There are two exceptions to these rules: › › When there is only one flat, you will not be able to go to the 2 nd to last flat. When this occurs, the flat you will see will be B flat and you will be reading the key of F. When there are no sharps and no flats you will not be able to follow either of the rules above, and this indicates that you are reading the key of C.

Determining Tonality � Following key signature rules DOES NOT always mean you have identified the tonality of the piece! You need to look further at the piece. � After determining the key signature, observe opening chords or melodic intervals to help verify or deter your original determination. � You should also look at phrase cadences and the final chord of the piece. But be sure there was not a key change in the middle of the piece, or your answer will not be correct. � Sometimes your piece will be in a minor key. Relative minor keys are 3 half steps down from their major key component. They share the same key signature and will usually have a 7 th degree leading tone. You will need to analyze the score for verification.

Scales � There are many types of scales in music. We will be dealing with four main scales. Each scale has a formula for how it should be created. � Major: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do - W W H W W W H. › � Natural Minor: Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, Le, Te, Do - W H W W › � From a major scale, lower the 3 rd, 6 th and 7 th scale degrees. Harmonic Minor: Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, Le, Ti, Do - W H W+H H. › � This is the most common scale. From a major scale, lower the 3 rd and 6 th scale degrees only. Melodic Minor: › Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do › WHWWWWH › › Do, Te, Le, So Fa, Me, Re, Do WWHWWHW From a major scale, ascending, lower the 3 rd scale degree only. From a major scale, descending, lower the 7 th, 6 th and 3 rd scale degrees.

Circle of 5 ths � The circle of 5 ths shows the relationships among the twelve tones of the chromatic scale, their corresponding key signatures, and the associated major and minor keys. (Wikipedia) � From Top around to the right, each key is separated by the interval of a 5 th. Each time you go up a 5 th (or down a 4 th if you come down on the left), you add or subtract 1 sharp or 1 flat. � All relative minor keys are listed within the Circle of 5 ths. � The parenthetical notations are showing you enharmonic options. Those key signatures do not exist.