9. Rewriting a Melody using a Key Signature

Question 1

How you you determine the key of a melody that is written with accidentals?

Answer 1

To determine the key:

1. List the accidentals of the melody in the order that they would appear in a key signature.
2. If all of the accidentals in the melody fit into the correct key signature order, the melody is probably Major.
3. Often but not always, the melody ends on the Tonic note.

Question 2

What are not used when rewriting a melody in a Major key using a Key Signature?

Answer 2

Accidentals

Question 3

How you you determine the key of a melody written using accidentals with flats?

Answer 3

1. Name the accidentals in the order of the Key Signature with flats.
2. The missing flat indicates the raised 7th note of the harmonic minor key.

Question 4

What is used for the raised 7th note of an harmonic minor key.

Answer 4

An accidental - natural.

Question 5

Where is the Key Signature written?

Answer 5

Directly after the clef and before the Time Signature.

Question 6

What is used for the raised 7th note of the harmonic minor key when rewriting a melody in a minor key?

Answer 6

An accidental - natural.

Question 7

How do you determine the key of a melody written using flats and a sharp?

Answer 7

1. Name the accidentals in the order of the Key Signature with flats.
2. The sharp indicates the raised 7th note to the harmonic minor key.

Question 8

What are the only two harmonic minor keys that contain flats and a sharp?

Answer 8

g minor and d minor

Question 9

How do you determine the key of a melody written using sharps with a extra sharp (double sharp)?

Answer 9

1. Name the accidentals in the order of the Key Signature with sharps.
2. The extra sharp indicates the raised 7th note of the harmonic minor key.

Question 10

How do you determine the key of a melody written using sharps and a double sharp?

Answer 10

A melody written using accidentals may have sharps and a double sharp. To determine the key:

1. Name the accidentals in the order of the Key Signature with sharps.
2. The double sharp indicates the raised 7th note of the harmonic minor key.

Question 11

Name the only three harmonic minor keys that contain a double sharp as the raised 7th note.

Answer 11

g sharp minor (Fx)
d sharp minor (Cx)
a sharp minor (Gx)

Question 12

How do you determine the key of a melody written using accidentals containing two accidentals not in the key signature?

Answer 12

1. Name the accidentals in the order of the Key Signature.

2. The two extra accidentals indicate the raised 6th and 7th notes of the melodic minor key.