Key Signatures

Key Signatures-

the set of sharp or flat symbols at the beginning of the music that indicates to the musician (you) what combination of notes or chords will be played for that song.

Multiple Choice

Where will the key signature always be found?

• At the end.

• In the beginning.

• Underneathe

• On your instrument

In our level of mariachi music, we mostly deal with 5 key signatures. They are...

• C major

• G major

• D major

• A major

• F major

Good mariachi musicians know their key signatures...GREAT mariachi musicians memorize their key signatures!

"Key sigs" for short :)

Key of C major

This one is tricky. But it's the only one like it, i promise! WHEN YOU SEE NO SHARPS AND NO FLATS IN THE KEY SIG. THIS MEANS WE ARE IN THE KEY OF C MAJOR!

Multiple Select

Nothing (meaning, no sharp or flat symbols) in the key signature =

• key of C major

• Key of G major

• key of D major

• key of A major

• key of F major

Key of G major

As you can see, there is only one sharp in this key sig. Whenever you see that there is only one sharp in the key sig. it is safe to assume (for now) that we are in the key of G major.

Multiple Select

One sharp symbol in the key signature =

• key of C major

• Key of G major

• key of D major

• key of A major

• key of F major

Key of D major

This one has two sharps! When you see this key sig. in the beginning of your music it is safe to assume (for now) that you are in the key of D major.

Multiple Select

Two sharp symbols in the key signature =

• key of C major

• Key of G major

• key of D major

• key of A major

• key of F major

Key of A major

And then there were three! Yup, three sharps indicate to us that we will be playing in key of A major.

Multiple Select

Three sharp symbols in the key signature =

• key of C major

• Key of G major

• key of D major

• key of A major

• key of F major

woah... wait a minute... Whats with the word "major"? Why can't we just say, "key of A" example and be done with it?????

Music has what we call "MODES" and one of those modes happens to be called major. We can talk about the different types of modes late. For now, lets just know that, that's the reasons we say "MAJOR" after the key....

Key of F major-

Here's a different looking one... what's that funny b looking symbol you ask? Musicians call that a "flat symbol"... one lone flat in your key sig. indicates to you that you will be playing in the key of F...

Multiple Select

One flat symbol in the key signature =

• key of C major

• Key of G major

• key of D major

• key of A major

• key of F major

Multiple Select

What key do we play, "Las Mananitas" in? (Careful, Violins and Trumpets have different correct answers)

• C Major

• D Major

• A Major

• B Major

Multiple Select

How many sharps are in that key Signature? (Careful, Violins and Trumpets have different correct answers)

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Multiple Select

What key do we play, "La Tortuga Verde" in? (Careful, Violins and Trumpets have different correct answers)

• C Major

• D Major

• A Major

• E Major

Multiple Select

How many sharps in that key signature? (Careful, Violins and Trumpets have different correct answers)

• 1 Sharp

• 2 Sharps

• 3 Sharps

• 4 Sharps

Multiple Select

What key do we play Los Laureles in? (Careful, Violins and trumpets have different answers)

• C major

• G major

• D major

• A major

Sharps vs. Flats-

Believe it or not, sharp and flat symbols have other duties besides looking pretty at the beginning of your music... you can also add to your collection that cool "natural" symbol. KNOW THEIR FUNCTIONS

Just so your are aware...

other key sigs. DO EXIST!! Here are the rest of them and their title in this diagram. We call this wheel... "The wheel of death".. jk... its called the CIRCLE OF 5THs.

Remember those "modes" mentioned earlier???

Another type of "mode" is called the "minor" mode. Think of it as every key sig having two separate identities.... or two different names... the minor name of each key sig is in the smaller inside circle....

Piece of cake!

With time, practice, and of course dedication you will be able to memorize these key signature and connect them to what to do as the mariachi musician when you see them! Good job!