Music Theory Online

The following are the key signatures of common major keys:

C major: No key signature
G major: F sharp
D major: F sharp, C sharp
A major: F sharp, C sharp, G sharp



F major: B flat
B-flat major: B flat, E flat
E-flat major: B flat, E flat, A flat



Major keys share the same key signature as minor keys. These minor keys are called the relative minor keys. Relative minor keys are a minor third below.

The relative minor of C major is A minor. A minor has no key signature.
The relative minor of G major is E minor. E minor has a F sharp key signature.
The relative minor of F major is D minor. D minor has a F sharp key signature.







In the harmonic minor keys, the seventh note has to be raised.
If there is no accidental on the seventh note in the key signature, a sharp has to be added to it.
If there is a flat on the seventh note in the key signature, a natural has to be added to it.


D harmonic minor without key signature


D harmonic minor with key signature

In the melodic minor keys, the sixth and seventh note have to be raised.


D melodic minor without key signature


D melodic minor with key signature

Can you write the E minor harmonic and melodic scales using key signature?