CHAPTER 4: KEYS AND SCALES
Grade 5 Theory – Keys and scales and the circle of fifths
This chapter introduces keys and scales at grade 5 level. You need to be able to:
– Write scales and key signatures of F# and Gb major and D# and E flat major
– All the keys and scales for grade 5
– Helpful patterns: the circle of fifths
The circle of fifths is a great tool to understand the relationships of keys.
But I recommend my students use the keys and key signatures diagram in their exam. There are lots of videos below to show you how to remember and use it. Your starting point should be the video titled “The Connection between Major and Minor Keys”. This will enable you to link key signatures with a particular key and to write all major and minor scales.
THE CIRCLE OF FIFTHS
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MAJOR AND MINOR KEYS
This is the video I recommend that all my students watch to learn about scales, keys and key signatures. This shows you how to create the major and different types of minor scales using a specific key relationship diagram I ask my students to use in their theory exams. You can use this diagram to write any major and minor scale that you are asked for on your theory exam. The following video has a very quick explanation of how to draw the diagram, but if you need a more detailed description, please watch the next two videos.