Music notation shows what scale is primarily being used by means of the Key Signature.

Use of the key signature is largely a matter of conceptual efficiency. For example, if a piece (or section of a piece) of music is primarily using the notes of the G major scale, then that piece (or section) is said to be in the key of G major. Rather than write sharp symbols (#) in front of every single F-sharp note that comes along in the music, like this:

It’s more efficient to simply write the sharp symbol (#) once at the beginning of the song or section of the song, on the staff lines that represent the location of F on the music staff. This indicates that any F’s you encounter after this key signature will be F-sharps. All F’s will be assumed to be F-sharp unless otherwise indicated by a natural sign to “negate” the assumed sharp on the F. Or until the key signature changes, by means of another series of naturals, sharps or flats. Like this:

Understanding Music Notation Lesson 13 – Key Signatures

Christopher Schlegel

Tutorial 018 - Learning To Read Music (Page 13 of 17)

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