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Quizzes > Music

Key Signature Quiz: Identify Major and Minor Keys

Quick, free key signature practice with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Brendan EngelUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 7
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting Key Signature Challenge, a music theory quiz for students.

This key signature quiz helps you name major and minor keys at a glance across treble and bass, and spot sharps and flats with confidence. If you need a refresher, try the circle of fifths quiz to see how key relationships work, or build staff reading skills with the note identification quiz.

Which major key has three sharps in its key signature?
A major
E major
B major
D major
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What is the relative minor of B flat major?
G minor
C minor
D minor
F minor
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Which major key has five flats in its key signature?
G flat major
A flat major
D flat major
B flat major
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Which minor key has two sharps in its key signature?
E minor
C# minor
B minor
F# minor
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Which major key has no sharps or flats in its key signature?
G major
F major
A minor
C major
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Which key signature contains exactly F# and C#?
G major
E major
D major
A major
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After F# and C#, what is the next sharp added in the order of sharps?
G#
E#
D#
A#
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In the order of flats, what is the third flat listed?
D flat
B flat
E flat
A flat
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C# major and D♭ major have the same key signature.
True
False
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In treble clef, the first sharp in a key signature is placed on which note?
G#
C#
F#
D#
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In bass clef, the first flat in a key signature is placed on which note?
A♭
D♭
E♭
B♭
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What is the maximum number of sharps used in any standard major key signature?
5
6
7
8
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In B major, which of these notes is not sharpened by the key signature?
E
G
C
F
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How is the leading tone typically notated in A harmonic minor?
As G natural in the key signature
As G# written as an accidental
As G# in the key signature
As G♭ written as an accidental
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Which major key includes an E♭ but no A♭ in its key signature?
D♭ major
A♭ major
E♭ major
B♭ major
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Which minor key has five sharps in its key signature?
C# minor
G# minor
F# minor
D# minor
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Which mode uses the key signature of C major when starting on D?
D Lydian
D Dorian
D Phrygian
D Mixolydian
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Which major key includes B# in its key signature?
C# major
B major
E major
F# major
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A clarinet part in B♭ for music in concert C major will be written in which key?
B♭ major
E major
D major
C major
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An alto saxophone in E♭ playing music in concert F major will read which key signature?
G major
D major
B♭ major
C major
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify key signatures by recognizing the number and arrangement of accidentals.
  2. Recognize the sequence in which sharps and flats appear.
  3. Analyze major and minor relationships within key signatures.
  4. Apply the circle of fifths to determine the correct key signature.
  5. Demonstrate efficient key signature recognition in varied musical contexts.

Key Signatures Cheat Sheet

  1. Circle of Fifths - Think of this as your musical GPS: it arranges all 12 tones in a circle, showing how major and minor keys connect. Use it to spot key changes, transpositions, and to understand harmonic relationships at a glance.
  2. Order of Sharps - Memorize F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B# to quickly identify sharp key signatures. A classic mnemonic is "Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle," which makes practice fun and sticky.
  3. Order of Flats - Learn Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb to nail flat key signatures every time. Remember "Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father" to breeze through any signature.
  4. Relative Minors - Every major key hides a minor twin sharing its key signature. To find it, simply go down three half steps from the major tonic and voilà - you've got your relative minor!
  5. Flashcard Drills - Flashcards are your memory's best friend when practicing key signatures. Flip through quick drills to build instant recognition and keep those signatures top of mind.
  6. Sharp/Flat Counts - As you move clockwise around the Circle of Fifths you add sharps; counterclockwise you add flats. This pattern guides you to the next key signature without breaking a sweat.
  7. Staff Placement - Sharps and flats each have a set order when you place them on the staff - F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B# for sharps; Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb for flats. Mastering these positions makes reading music a breeze.
  8. Enharmonic Equivalents - Some keys sound identical but look different on paper - think C♯ major versus D♭ major. Knowing these twins helps you switch notations effortlessly.
  9. Signature Placement - The key signature goes right after the clef at the start of each staff, reminding you which notes stay sharp or flat throughout. It's your score's compass - don't skip it!
  10. Clef Variations - Practice writing and identifying key signatures in treble, bass, alto, and tenor clefs to ace any musical context. Versatility here means fewer surprises during rehearsals or exams.
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