Which three notes are sharp? The first three notes in the mnemonic device: F(ather), C(harles), and G(oes).įor flat keys (counter-clockwise on the circle of fifths), read the mnemonic device backwards. For example, the circle of fifths tells us that there are 3 sharps in the key of A major. It conveniently summarizes the key signature needed for any key with up to seven flats or sharps.īut which notes are flat or sharp in a key? To properly use the circle of fifths to figure out a key signature, you’ll need to also remember this mnemonic device, which tells you the order of flats and sharps:įather Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle.įor sharp keys (clockwise on the circle of fifths), read the mnemonic device forward.
The circle of fifths is an illustration that has been used in music theory pedagogy for hundreds of years. Here is the same melody, with the key signature at the beginning of the staff to remind the performer that F and C should be sharp. To avoid this, composers used key signatures at the beginning of each staff to remind performers of which pitch classes should have flats or sharps.
Here is a simple melody in D major, without a key signature. When you’re writing in a single key for an extended period of time, it gets tedious to write out the accidentals over and over again.
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