Tag: Music Theory Lesson 1

A flat is when a note in music is lowered a semi-tone (half step) below what would normally be played. If a flat is written within a bar (rather than in the key signature) that flatening of the note remains for the entire bar. When the flat is in the key signature it applies for the entire song.

The orders of flats written in a key signature is B E A D G C F (Battle Ends And Down Goes Charlse Father)

Note: The same pitch can have different names (see Enharmonic) depending on the Key of the scale (C# equals Db).

A sharp is when a note in music is raised a semi-tone (half step) above what would normally be played. If a sharp is written within a bar (rather than in the key signature) that sharpening of the note remains for the entire bar. If the sharp is in the key signature, it applies for the entire song.

Pipe music does not usually indicate the key signature (sharps and Flats). The bagpipes play a C# and an F# naturally. As we don’t have a way to play sharps and flats (without false fingering), you will seldom see them written in pipe music.

The orders of sharps written in a key signature is F C G D A E B (Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle)

Note: The same pitch can have different names (see Enharmonic) depending on the Key of the scale (C# equals Db).

Keys with Sharps

To find the name of a key signature with sharps, look at the sharp farthest to the right. The key signature is the note a half step above that last sharp.

Key signatures can specify major or minor keys. To determine the name of a minor key, find the name of the key in major and then count backwards three half steps.

Keys with Flats

To find the name of a key signature with flats, look at the flat 2nd farthest to the right. The key signature is named for that flat.