Key Signatures
Definition
Key signatures are symbols placed at the beginning of each staff line in sheet music to indicate which pitches are altered throughout the piece. They help musicians identify which major or minor scale is being used.
Related terms
Relative Keys: Pairs of major and minor keys that share the same key signature but start on different tonic notes.
Circle of Fifths: A visual representation of the relationship between major and minor keys, organized in a circular pattern based on the interval of a fifth.
Transposition: The process of changing the key of a piece by shifting all its pitches up or down by a consistent interval.
"Key Signatures" appears in:
Additional resources (1)
AP Music Theory - 2024 AP Music Theory Exam Guide
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
Stay Connected
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.