So, Which is Which?

All musicians must be able to immediately recognize a key signature; reading music fluently would be impossible otherwise!

Here are some Speed Tips:

In a Major key with sharps, the tonic (name of the key) is always a diatonic half step above the last sharp in the key signature.

In a Major key with flats, the tonic is always the second to last flat.

The only two key signatures that don't fit the pattern are C Major (but you probably already know that one) and F Major (one flat).

The exercises below are designed to help you memorize the Major key signatures. If you wish, take a moment to study the circle of fifths table. Or just dive in. It is ideal to do these exercises several times on several different days: see if you can improve your speed and accuracy each time.

Next Page: Minor Key Signatures