Topmusicanswers
The short answer: because it's redundant. The slightly longer answer: because one of the things beginners have to learn is what sharps and flats belong to what key, not to mention the relationships between major and minor keys.
- Is the tonic the key signature?
- Is the tonic always the key?
- What is the rule for determining key signatures?
Is the tonic the key signature?
Two parallel keys have the same tonic. For example, in both C major and C minor, the tonic is C. ... For example, C major and A minor share a key signature that feature no sharps or flats, despite having different tonic pitches (C and A, respectively).
Is the tonic always the key?
Objects can move away from Earth, but eventually come back down. When you play music, the music is constantly being pulled toward the tonic, or root of the key, wanting to come to a state of rest or completion. The tonic is the most resolved note in a key. The tonic is a key's center.
What is the rule for determining key signatures?
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.
