Key Signatures

Key signatures are symbols at the beginning of a musical staff that indicate which notes are consistently raised or lowered throughout a piece. They help musicians quickly identify the tonal center (key) and ensure the correct notes are played for harmony and mood. The signature consists of sharps (#) or flats (b) placed on specific lines or spaces. By knowing the key signature, musicians understand the scale and the notes that belong to that key, making performance and communication more efficient. Essentially, key signatures provide a roadmap for the tonality and color of a piece of music.