BazzLow
ENIT
Module 5 · Lesson 5

The order of sharps and flats

Know the fixed order of sharps and flats and name a key from its signature.

Before this lesson: 5.4 Keys and key signatures

Key signatures are not random. The sharps and flats always arrive in the same order, so you can read a key from its signature in seconds.

The order

Sharps always appear in the order F C G D A E B. Flats appear in the reverse order: B E A D G C F. A key with 3 sharps has the first three, F♯ C♯ G♯, never another three.

Bass clef staffAll seven sharps and all seven flats on the bass clef staff, in order. Sharps: F C G D A E B. Flats: B E A D G C F.♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♯♭♭♭♭♭♭♭♭
All seven sharps and all seven flats on the bass clef staff, in order. Sharps: F C G D A E B. Flats: B E A D G C F.

English speakers use memory aids: “Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle” for the sharps, and “Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father” for the flats.

Naming the key from the signature

  • Sharps: the key is one half step above the last sharp. F♯ C♯: the last is C♯, so the key is D.
  • Flats: the key is the second-to-last flat. B♭ E♭ A♭: the key is E♭.
  • One flat, B♭, is the exception: memorise it. The key is F major.

Try the quiz

A random key signature appears; pick the key. Nothing is saved.

Which major key has this key signature?

A quiz: a key signature is drawn on the staff and you choose the major key from four options.
Try it

Cover the first diagram and write the order of sharps and flats from memory. Then name the keys with 4 sharps and 4 flats.

New terms

Tools

  • Bass Map: Arpeggios, circle of fifths, natural harmonics, modes and scales on the bass neck, in any key.
  • Key Chords: The chords of every major and minor key, chosen on the circle of fifths, with bass boxes and common progressions.