A
musical key is a system of
tones and harmonies based on a standard
hierarchal scale of seven
tones.
When first learning how to play any
musical instrument, it helps to know whick
sharp(s) or
flat(s) are in each
key. Here is a chart that helps one remember such, with an explanation near the bottom:
Sharp Order: F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
Major Key Sign: G D A E B F# C#
Flat Order: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
Major Key Sign: F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
with "b" = flat and "#" = sharp.
How the chart works:
After choosing a
Major Key Sign, that
key contains the
sharp or
flat in the line above it, and all the sharps and flats to the
left of that one.
For example, the
key of B
Major contains A#, D#, G#, C#, and F#.
The
key of Bb
Major contains Eb and Bb.