1. (Determining Key Signatures using the Order of Sharps and Flats)
Major Scales
(Determining Key Signatures using the Order of Sharps and Flats)

2. Major Scales C Major Scale:
Important: All major scales follow the same pattern of tones
and semi- tones.
Remember: Tone – Tone – Semitone – Tone – Tone – Tone – Semitone

3. Writing Major Scales REMEMBER: There should be 8 notes.
The first note and the last note should be the same.
Every letter name must appear at least once.
Follow the interval pattern T-T-S-T-T-T-S.
The notes B/C and E/F are one semi-tone apart.
A sharp raises a note by one semi-tone.
A flat lowers a note by one semi-tone.

4. Order of Sharps F C G D A E B
Father
Charles
Goes
Down
And
Ends
Battle

5. Order of Flats B E A D G C F
Battle
Ends
And
Down
Goes
Charles
Father

6. Key Signatures
The order of sharps and flats can be used to determine key signatures.
Use the order of sharps to determine key signatures containing sharps.
Use the order of flats to determine key signatures containing flats.

7. Key Signatures with Sharps:
Order of Sharps: F# C# / G D A E B
Number of Sharps: 6 7 1 2 3 4 5
Remember: G is the major scale that has one sharp.
Two scales (F/C) have a sharp in their name.

8. Key Signatures with Flats:
Order of Flats: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb / F
Number of Flats: 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
Remember: F is the major scale that has one flat.
All the scales, except F, have a flat in their name.