Chapter 5

Major Scales and Key Signatures

The major scale pattern (T T S T T T S) and the key signatures of C, G, D and F major.

A major scale is a set of eight notes that follows a fixed pattern of tones (T) and semitones (S):

T   T   S   T   T   T   S

X:1 L:1/4 K:C clef=treble C D E F | G A B c |

Key signatures

Rather than write the same sharps or flats again and again, we put them once at the start — the key signature. The Grade 1 major scales are:

  • C major — no sharps or flats.
  • G major — one sharp: F♯.
  • D major — two sharps: F♯ and C♯.
  • F major — one flat: B♭.
X:1 L:1/4 K:G clef=treble G A B c | d e f g |

Above is G major — the single sharp in the key signature makes every F an F♯.

Remember

  • Major pattern: T T S T T T S.
  • C major: none · G major: F♯ · D major: F♯ C♯ · F major: B♭.
  • A key signature applies to every bar in the piece.

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