Key Signatures
A key signature tells you which notes are sharp or flat throughout a piece. It appears at the beginning of each staff line.
Key Signature Reference
| Key | Accidentals | Relative Minor | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | None | Am | |
| G major | F# | Em | |
| D major | F#, C# | Bm | |
| A major | F#, C#, G# | F#m | |
| E major | F#, C#, G#, D# | C#m | |
| B major | F#, C#, G#, D#, A# | G#m | |
| F# major | F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E# | D#m | |
| F major | Bb | Dm | |
| Bb major | Bb, Eb | Gm | |
| Eb major | Bb, Eb, Ab | Cm | |
| Ab major | Bb, Eb, Ab, Db | Fm | |
| Db major | Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb | Bbm |
Circle of Fifths
The circle of fifths shows the relationship between all 12 major and minor keys. Moving clockwise adds a sharp; moving counter-clockwise adds a flat. Click any key to hear its tonic chord.
Relative Major & Minor
Every major key has a relative minor that shares the same key signature. The relative minor starts on the 6th degree of the major scale.
C major — A minor
G major — E minor
D major — B minor
A major — F# minor
E major — C# minor
B major — G# minor
F# major — D# minor
F major — D minor
Bb major — G minor
Eb major — C minor
Ab major — F minor
Db major — Bb minor
Quiz: Key Signatures
Question 1 of 6Score: 0
How many sharps/flats does C major have?