Since our western hemisphere music is based on the major scale it is essential to memorize the major scale for all fifteen written keys. To do this you must understand the interval construction of the major scale and then apply it to all keys (circle of fifths and fourths)
Lets review the interval construction of the major scale.
Example using the C major scale (this interval formula is the exact same for all keys):
C to D = whole step (two frets distance or a major second interval)
D to E = whole step (two frets distance or a major second interval)
E to F = half step (one fret distance or a minor second interval)
F to G = whole step (two frets distance or a major second interval)
G to A = whole step (two frets distance or a major second interval)
A to B = whole step (two frets distance or a major second interval)
B to C = half step (one fret distance or a minor second interval)
Memorize the major scale formula: WS,WS,HS - WS,WS,WS - HS
By moving to the right five scale steps we produce the next key center or key signature.
(the basis for the circle of fifths (and fourths) was first described and illustrated by Nikolai Diletskii in 1679)
C major = C, D, E,
F, G, A, B, C
Count from C (1st scale degree) to the right - five scale degrees - and you get
G (5th scale degree) the next closes key. Only one note difference F#.
G major = G, A, B,
C, D, E, F#, G
one sharp F#
Notice how the F# is needed to maintain the same interval relationship of:
WS,WS,HS,WS,WS,WS,HS.
In other words G to A = WS, A to B = WS, B to C = HS,
C to D = WS, D to E = WS, E to F# = WS, F# to G = HS.
D major = D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D two sharps F# and C#
A major = A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A three sharps F#, C#, G#
(notice how the old sharps are carried into the new key and the newest sharp added is the seventh scale degree)
E major = E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E four sharps F#, C#, G#, D#
B major = B, C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A#, B five sharps F#, C#, G, D#, A#
F# major = F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#, E#, F# six sharps F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#
C# major = C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, C# seven sharps F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#
C major uses no sharps or flats.
G major uses one sharp F#
D major uses two sharps F#, C#
A major uses three sharps F#, C,#, G#
E major uses four sharps F#, C#, G#, D#
B major uses five sharps F#, C#, G#, D#, A#
F# major uses six sharps F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#
C# major uses seven sharps F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#
Notice the stating note is the key or key center. So memorize the note names for each key and then later the major and natural minor family of chords for each key).
The circle of fifths covers seven of our keys. Next the circle of fourths will complete our other seven keys. The key of C major has no sharps or flats. This makes a total of fifteen written keys.
Now transpose these to each position (register) of your instrument, then to all 15 keys.
All materials copyright 2010. For personal use only.
Vince Lauria Sun and Earth Music
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