Topmusicanswers
In music, the saying “Father Charles Goes Down and Ends Battle” is used to determine the order of sharps in a particular key signature. For example, if the key signature has 4 sharps in it, then they will always be written in this order: F, C, G & D (Father-Charles-Goes-Down).
- How do you remember the order of sharps and flats?
- How do you remember a sharp key signature?
- What is the rule to figure out the name of the key signature for flat keys?
How do you remember the order of sharps and flats?
The order of sharps is F – C – G – D – A – E – B , often remembered by a mnemonic. One common mnemonic for the order of sharps is “Fast Cars Go Dangerously Around Every Bend.” The order of flats is B – E – A – D – G – C – F . It is the reverse of the order of sharps.
How do you remember a sharp key signature?
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: Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle. For sharp keys (clockwise on the circle of fifths), read the mnemonic device forward.
What is the rule to figure out the name of the key signature for flat keys?
Flats. For key signatures with flats, the key signature is the second to last flat. This is the key of E flat because E flat is the second to last flat in the key signature.
