Hey everyone, was just making this post because I’m curious if there is any good technique or way to memorize all of the key signatures. I have been mastering my scales and bass shapes + the major and minor sequences. I felt it would be good to start to try and solidify more info in my head so I can use the sheet music to help me play songs easier. I know I could just look the signature up before I play, but I figured there’s gotta be a good way to memorize them all. Please let me know and thanks!
1 Like
Use the circle of fourths/fifths.
C has no sharps or flats. 1 space counterclockwise from C is F, which has 1 flat. 2 spaces counterclockwise is Bb which has two flats, etc.
Going the other way, 1 space clockwise from C is G and it has 1 sharp. 2 spaces clockwise is D, which has 2 sharps. And so on and so forth.
4 Likes
…and it is much easier for bass players to remember as the circle of fourths 
C, F, then BEADG except all flat, then BEADG.
C, F, flat open strings, open strings.
6 Likes
And the CF part is even easy to remember… “Circle/Fourths”
3 Likes
Definitely use the circle of 4ths.
Also, break up the letters…
CDE FGAB
FGA. BbCDE
BbCD EbFGA
EbFG AbBbCD
AbBbC DbEbFG
DbEbF GbAbBbC
Etc…
And write this out then recite them to yourself, particularly before bed or while you’re trying to fall asleep…works wonders.
One way I am trying to memorize the notes of the major scales is using that pattern BEADG. C and F are just easy to memorize. With the flats starting with B-flat, the scale just has the flat of the key (B-flat) and the next letter in BEADG (so B flat and E flat and the rest naturals). Then in E-flat, BEA are the flats, in A-flat, BEAD are the flats, etc. Then, its the reverse for the naturals (they’re all sharps except for the key and the next letter in BEADG). For example, B major scale is all sharps except for BE. E major scale all sharps except BEA, etc.