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Fundamentals of Music Theory |
Order of Sharps and Flats
Did you notice that the sharps and flats in the circle of fifths went in a certain order? Like the keys, they moved by fifth. Also like the keys, the sharps moved up by fifth while the flats went down by fifth!
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Flats |
Sharps |
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B E A D G C F |
F C G D A E B |
These patterns should be memorized. You might think "Bead" + "Greatest Common Factor" for the flats. Try chanting the order of each of these rhythmically, or better yet, sing the sharps! Take a moment and memorize them now.
| Memorized them? Let's try a little game. Type in either the order of sharps or flats before time runs out! If you can beat the computer ten times, you win!
Good work! Have you noticed that the sharps and flats are written on the staff in a particular pattern? The order of sharps flats is shown on a grand staff below. Copy it onto the other two staves by clicking on the staves to add accidentals:
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