Least To Most Accidentals

Question 1

Flat scales add flats with the tonics being separated by how many half-steps?

(I.e. The flat scale for F tonic has one flat, what is the next scale up that has two flats and so forth?)

Answer 1

Separated by 5 half-steps (I.e. The flat scale for F tonic has one flat and the tonic of the next scale up - with two flats - is the B flat scale

Question 2

Sharp scales add sharps with the tonics being separated by how many half steps?

(I.e. The sharp scale with G as it’s tonic as one sharp whereas what is the next tonic - separated by how many half steps - with two sharps?)

Answer 2

Sharp scales add a sharp with the tonics being separated by 7 half steps.

(I.e. The sharp scale with G as it’s tonic has one sharp. The next sharp scale with two sharps has D as it’s tonic - which is 7 half steps away from F).

Question 3

The newest sharp or flat is always the raised ___ degree of the existing major scale

Answer 3

The newest sharp or flat is always the raised (or lowered) 7th degree of the existing major scale

Question 4

The key with one more sharp (or one fewer flat) starts on the ___ degree of a given key.

Answer 4

The key with one more sharp (or one fewer flat) starts on the 5th degree of a given key.

If you’re in the key of B, then the key of F sharp would have one more sharp.

Question 5

The key with one more flat (or one fewer sharp) begins on the ___ degree of a given key.

Answer 5

The key with one more flat (or one fewer sharp) begins on the 4th degree of a given key.

I.e. Moving from the the key of F to the next key with an added flat, use the 4th degree of F: B flat.

Question 6

SHARP KEYS: To determine the key by looking at a key signature, find the ___ sharp in the key signature and go up a __ step.

Answer 6

SHARP KEYS: To determine the key by looking at a key signature, find the LAST sharp in the key signature and go up a HALF step.

Question 7

FLAT KEYS: the ____ flat in the key signature is the tonic.

Answer 7

FLAT KEYS: the second to last flat in the key signature is the tonic.

Question 8

Order of Sharps (using a “silly” phrase)

Answer 8

Fat Cats Give Dogs An Endless Battle

Question 9

Order of Flats (using a “silly” phrase)

Answer 9

By Eight, All Dates Get Cold Feet