Interactive theory exercise
Key signatures quiz
Test major and minor key signatures, then review the complete sharp and flat order. Type either the major key or its relative minor.
Start the key signatures quiz
Score
Major and minor key signature answer chart
| Major | Relative minor | Count | Accidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | A minor | 0 | — |
| G major | E minor | 1 sharp | F# |
| D major | B minor | 2 sharps | F#, C# |
| A major | F# minor | 3 sharps | F#, C#, G# |
| E major | C# minor | 4 sharps | F#, C#, G#, D# |
| B major | G# minor | 5 sharps | F#, C#, G#, D#, A# |
| F# major | D# minor | 6 sharps | F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E# |
| F major | D minor | 1 flat | Bb |
| Bb major | G minor | 2 flats | Bb, Eb |
| Eb major | C minor | 3 flats | Bb, Eb, Ab |
| Ab major | F minor | 4 flats | Bb, Eb, Ab, Db |
| Db major | Bb minor | 5 flats | Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb |
| Gb major | Eb minor | 6 flats | Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb |
How to memorize key signatures
Learn the accidental order first, then connect every signature to a major key and its relative minor. Write one signature from memory, play both scales, and name the tonic triads. This links visual recognition, keyboard geography, and sound.
Frequently asked questions
What is the order of sharps?
The order is F–C–G–D–A–E–B. Each clockwise step around the circle of fifths adds the next sharp.
What is the order of flats?
The order is B–E–A–D–G–C–F, the reverse of the sharp order.
How do I identify a major sharp key?
The major tonic is one semitone above the last sharp in the signature. For example, the last sharp in D major is C-sharp, so the tonic is D.
How do I identify a major flat key?
For signatures with two or more flats, the second-to-last flat names the major key. With one flat, the key is F major.