# The order of sharps and flats

*Module 5 · Lesson 5: The major scale and keys · BazzLow*

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

Before this lesson: [5.4 Keys and key signatures](https://bazzlow.com/en/major-scale-and-keys/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.

> **Diagram:** 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.

> **Diagram:** 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

- order of sharps
- order of flats

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/major-scale-and-keys/order-of-sharps-and-flats/