Three new major keys

About 2 min to read, then 5 practice questions

The same pattern from A

A major: three sharps keep the pattern

Every major scale: tone, tone, semitone, tone, tone, tone, semitone. Start on A and three notes need a sharp. A major has F sharp, C sharp and G sharp.

Quick check

Which sharps does A major need?

B flat and E flat major

B flat major

E flat major (bass clef)

B flat major needs B flat and E flat. E flat major needs B flat, E flat and A flat.

The key signatures at Grade 2

Learn these by heart

C major

Sharps

G major

D major

A major New

Flats

F major

B flat major New

E flat major New

Each key's sharps or flats are written once, as its key signature. The three marked New are the Grade 2 keys.

Quick check

How many flats does E flat major have?

Remember

A major: F sharp, C sharp, G sharp.
B flat major: B flat, E flat. E flat major: B flat, E flat, A flat.

Practise this: 5 questions, about 4 min

Answering from memory soon after reading is what makes it stick, so now is a good time.

XP for every question right first time
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