How to Learn the Order of Sharps

Sharps are used in writing music to raise a specific note one half step. Sharps are also used to create key signatures. They define the key and raise specific notes one half step for the entire piece of music. The order of sharps is always the same and learning them is essential. Follow the circle of fifths from F sharp to B sharp to learn the order of sharps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with F sharp.

2. Move five steps, starting with F sharp, up to C sharp.

3. Count five more steps, including C sharp, up to G sharp.

4. Jump five more steps, including G sharp, up to D sharp.

5. Ascend five more steps, including D sharp, up to A sharp.

6. Rise up five more steps, including A sharp, up to E sharp.

7. Finish by moving five more steps, including E sharp, up to B sharp.

Tips & Warnings

• A key signature is made up of sharps or flats written in the beginning of a piece of music. To find the major key of a key signature written in sharps, go up one step from the last sharp, either to the next line or space. C major is the only exception to this rule since it has no sharps or flats.
• If a sharp is used as an accidental in a piece of music, it affects only the notes played in that measure.
• An easy way to remember the order of sharps is to remember this phrase: Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Birds.

Resources

• For a diagram of the circle of fifths, go to carolinaclassical.com.