Keys

[zbalz]

Ever since i started writing out scales I just did all sharps because I like them. However for reading key signerature, I realized it is easier to understand that some keys are sharp and some are flat (as in lesson 8 theory 1). And what about other scales that aren't modes of the major scale? Is there any way to know which are sharps and which are flats other than memorization..any patterns? (I know that the
first half of circle of fifths is sharps and and the first half of circle of 4ths is flats so should i just memorize that)

Thanks

-zbalz

[This message has been edited by zbalz (edited February 02, 2001).]

[StoneDragon]

Check out this thread (http://www.zentao.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000005.html). it has some useful tips and links for memorizing key signatures.

As far as key signatures go, you have two choices:

Major - follows the major scale (Ionian mode)

Minor - follows the minor scale (Aeolian mode)

Everything else is covered by using accidentals within either a major or minor key signature.

This is why you'll hear people schooled in "classical" theory talking about the Dorian scale having a raised 6th. The Harmonic Minor having a raised 7th, and the Melodic Minor having a raised 6th and 7th. These scales are being compared to the minor key (1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7) because all three are minor scales.

You could go to the trouble of trying to memorize the sharps and flats for every scale in every key, but there comes a point of diminishing returns. You'll probably never find much use for it past having a working knowledge of Major and Minor key signatures and which accidentals may be applied within those key signatures when "other" scales are being used.

[zbalz]

From what I got from that thread. I can find the sharps of say B by:
1) Find distance from C (circle of 5ths) through SD's method or memorization...Thats 5

2) Use the acronym to find out what sharps are in it. (1)Fat (2)Cats (3)Go (4)Down (5)And Eat. So the sharps in B Major are: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#.

3) Then if needed, I can put them in order of the scale from the root note. Since it starts at B..The sharps IN ORDER would be: C#, D#, F%, G#, A#.

Am I correct in my interpretation?

I also found out that the letters for FLATS are B,E,A,D,G,F...Can anyone think of a good acronym for that?

-zbalz

[StoneDragon]

Yep... that's correct.

The only acronym I have ever seen for the flats is Battle Ends And Down Goes Father Charles.

Not a spiffy as fat cats eating birds.