A minor is considered the relative minor of C major likewise, C major is considered the relative major of A minor. For example, both C major and A minor have zero sharps or flats. Major and minor keys that share the same key signature are called relative keys. In fact, for each major key signature, there is a corresponding minor key that shares its signature. Of course, minor keys can use key signatures, too. Which flats? Reading backwards: B(attle), E(nds), A(nd), D(own). For example, the circle of fifths tells us that the key of A-flat major has four flats. Which three notes are sharp? The first three notes in the mnemonic device: F(ather), C(harles), and G(oes).įor flat keys (counter-clockwise on the circle of fifths), read the mnemonic device backwards. For example, the circle of fifths tells us that there are 3 sharps in the key of A major. It conveniently summarizes the key signature needed for any key with up to seven flats or sharps.īut which notes are flat or sharp in a key? 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:įather Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle.įor sharp keys (clockwise on the circle of fifths), read the mnemonic device forward. Move all the notes and chord a perfect fifth up (or perfect fourth down, whichever is more convenient).

For B major you'd have 2 flats and for B minor - 5 flats. The circle of fifths is an illustration that has been used in music theory pedagogy for hundreds of years. To transpose music from E flat to B flat: Calculate the interval between E and B. Here is the same melody, with the key signature at the beginning of the staff to remind the performer that F and C should be sharp. To avoid this, composers used key signatures at the beginning of each staff to remind performers of which pitch classes should have flats or sharps. Here is a simple melody in D major, without a key signature. When you’re writing in a single key for an extended period of time, it gets tedious to write out the accidentals over and over again.

Key signature of e major