“When
to call a F Sharp a G Flat”
Hear
audio Lesson from Greg Hannon
Let me share some theoretical information
on chords and scales. There are 12 keys we should learn as musicians
and the key signature determines the key of a song. The key signature
also determines what we name the notes and the number of sharps
(#) and flats (b) in a particular key. Below are all 12 keys and
the number of sharps and flats in those keys.
C = no sharps or flats
Keys with
Only Flats
F = 1 flat
Bb = 2 flats
Eb = 3 flats
Ab = 4 flats
Db = 5 flats
Gb = 6 flats
Keys
With Only Sharps
G = 1 sharp
D = 2 sharps
A = 3 sharps
E = 4 sharps
B = 5 sharps
THE RULE!!!!!!!
If you’re playing in a key that only has flats, you must call
all the black notes in that key flats.
For example, above under “Keys
With Only Flats” the key of “Eb” have
three flats. The three flats are Bb, Eb and
Ab. The Eb major scale also contains the same. See below.
Eb
Major Scale
Eb F G Ab
Bb C D Eb
Every note has two names. Eb and
D# are the same note. But what determines what we call it? I’m
glad you asked. The key signature which is the number of sharps
and flats in a key is the determining factor. By the way, the term
for one pitch or note having two names is called “Enharmonic”.
Eb and D# are enharmonic spellings of the same note.
The key of Eb, as well as, the Eb
major scale have no sharps. It would be grossly incorrect
to call it a D# in this key. Let me explain.
Under the “Keys
With Only Sharps” above, the key of “B”
have five sharps. The Five sharps are F# C#
G# D# and A#. The “B”
major scale also contains the same. See below.
B
Major Scale
B C# D# E F#
G# A# B
Although B and Cb are enharmonically
the same note, the key signature determines what it is called. Here
again, it will be grossly incorrect to call the “B”
a “Cb” because the key of “B” have no flats.
Click here to learn more about my
“Key
Circle Chart”.
The key is to memorize the number of sharps and flats for all 12
keys. Be consistent as you name the notes and follow the rule.
QUIZ”
Question 1 – What are the enharmonic
spellings for the following notes: Db, E, F#, G#, Bb?
Answer – next lesson
Hear
audio Lesson from Greg Hannon
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