Flat keys
In the last lesson we learned that every note in the chromatic scale can be the root note of its own major scale. Really, the center of its own musical universe. Some of the notes in the major scales needed the addition of sharped notes in order for them to spell a major scale according to its correct sound and formula.Those keys,G, D, A, E, B and F#, are called the sharp keys.
In this lesson we’re going to study the flat keys, keys which need the addition of flatted notes in order for them sound right and to spell major scales correctly.
A Demand For One Flat
To answer the question why do some keys need flatted notes and some keys need sharp notes, let’s study the key with one flat, F major.
As is generally the case, music theory has a way of creating order. Below is a table of the keys which need a flat are several flats in honor to correctly spell their very own major scale. It is generally accepted that there are 12 unique keys in the world of music one for each note of the chromatic scale. Study the table below into you are very familiar with spelling all of the skills which need flatted notes and honor to follow the formula of the major scale.
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formula
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Whole Step>
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Whole Step>
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1/2 Step>
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Whole Step>
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Whole Step>
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Whole Step>
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1/2 Step>
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Degree Solfege |
I Do |
II Re |
III Mi |
IV Fa |
V Sol |
VI La |
VII Ti |
I Do |
| Key of C |
C
|
D
|
E
|
F
|
G
|
A
|
B
|
C
|
| Key of F |
F
|
G
|
A
|
Bb
|
C
|
D
|
E
|
F
|
| Key of Bb |
Bb
|
C
|
D
|
Eb
|
F
|
G
|
A
|
Bb
|
| Key of Eb |
Eb
|
F
|
G
|
Ab
|
Bb
|
C
|
D
|
Eb
|
| Key of Ab |
Ab
|
Bb
|
C
|
Db
|
Eb
|
F
|
G
|
Ab
|
| Key of Db |
Db
|
Eb
|
F
|
Gb
|
Ab
|
Bb
|
C
|
Db
|
| Key of Gb |
Gb
|
Ab
|
Bb
|
Cb
|
Db
|
Eb
|
F
|
Gb
|
Of course, the real learning in this part of the music theory course is done with paper and pencil. Below, you see the written exercise that is meant to accompany this lesson. Do this written exercise as many times as is necessary for you to have a second nature knowledge of every note in every key and also an instant recognition of all the key signatures. The trick here is merely repetition, think of how athletes practice repetitive tasks to finely hone their skills.
If you are taking this course in earnest, it is with the written assignments that important learning place,don’t forget to copy the key signatures, on music paper, several times. You will find that developing this sort ‘rock solid’ familiarity with the keys, the key signatures and the correct spellings of every scale, greatly enhances the experience of being a student and musician.
