Now take the 5th note of the major scale whose tonic is G - the G major scale - this is note D (the 4th word of the phrase), and so on. Now take the 5th note of the major scale whose tonic is C - the C major scale - this is note G (the 3rd word of the phrase). Taking the 1st letter of the 1st word in the phrase - F, the 5th note of the major scale with its name as the tonic - F major scale is note C (the 2nd word of the phrase). order for key signature symbol placement is not accidental, and follows the music theory pattern called the Circle of fifths.

Then the same for C# in the second position, and so on for all the words in the phrase.

So if the scale contains note F#, this is always the first sharp key signature symbol shown next to the treble or bass clef in the note F staff position(top line). The key signature symbols are always shown in the same order, no matter what the order of the actual notes on the staff.įor a sharp-based key signature (like this scale), the order is easily remembered using the following phrase, whose first letters indicate the note names to be sharpened:

The key signature is set of sharps or flats (never mixed) shown after the treble or bass clef on the musical staff. This step shows the order in which the symbols of a sharp key signature must be placed next to the treble and bass clef. Rather than use a key signature that would in theory contain double sharps or flats, usually the key signature of the replacement major scale - G, above is used, as shown below. > The G major scale sounds the same / contains the same note pitches, which are played in the same order (the scales are enharmonic), so it can be used as a direct replacement for the A-double-flat major scale. > There is always an identical major scale that you can use in its place, which is on the Circle of 5ths. > It is not on the Circle of fifths diagram, which contains the most commonly used keys. > It is rarely used in practice, because it is too complex to use. > Its key signature would contain either double-sharps or double flats. Warning: The A-double-flat key is a theoretical major scale key. A-double-flat major scale has 4 double-flats, 3 flats No. This step shows the Abb major scale key signature on the treble clef and bass clef.

Bass clef order of flats