Topmusicanswers
A key signature is a visual symbol, printed on a musical staff, that indicates what key a section of music is written in. Key signatures are represented by using accidentals—better known as sharps and flats. The number of sharps or flats indicated in the key signature will tell the player what key the music is in.
- What is an example of a key signature?
- How do you find the key signature?
- What is the main key signature?
What is an example of a key signature?
For example, the key of D major has a key signature of F♯ and C♯, and the tonic (D) is a semitone above C♯. Each scale starting on the fifth scale degree of the previous scale has one new sharp, added in the order shown.
How do you find the key signature?
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.
What is the main key signature?
A key signature is the collection of sharps and flats that determines the key of a piece of music. The key is the group of pitches that makes up the main major or minor scale that will be used in the composition.
