Music Theory: Key Signatures and Triads

Key signatures and scales

Intervals

Triads (major and minor)

Order of sharps/flats

Rhythm--matching notes with rests, identifying time signatures, and drawing bar lines

Vocabulary

Ear training--scales, triads, intervals, tempos, articulation

Number/placement of sharps/flats that shows the keys

C, G, D, F, B-flat Major

2nds

3rds

5ths

8ths

Has first, third, and fifth note of scale

C Major, G Major, D Major, F Major, B-flat Major

C Minor, G Minor, D Minor, F Minor, B-flat Minor

In MINOR triads, the third is LOW

NOTE: low does NOT necessarily mean flat

1) Look at bottom note to see what the first note is (remember flats or sharps!)

2) Think about arpeggio that goes with it--is the arpeggio major or minor, and what notes do you play? (also remember flats or sharps!)

3) Look back at your triad. Are the notes in the triad the same as the arpeggio, or different? Focus on the THIRD

If they are the SAME and the arpeggio is MAJOR, then the triad is MAJOR

If they are the SAME and the arpeggio is MINOR, then the triad is MINOR

If they are DIFFERENT and the arpeggio is MAJOR, then the triad is MINOR

If they are DIFFERENT and the arpeggio is MINOR, then the triad is MAJOR