Sooner or later, almost every beginning guitarist develops the desire to progress. Many are confused with regard to direction. In other words, many ponder their educational path. With so much information available, it's no wonder that the world of guitar playing begins to seem more like a giant puzzle rather than a well defined musical highway.
Here's a question to ponder. When is a beginner no longer a beginner? Is there some secret ceremony that is conducted by the guitar spirits thus, presenting one with a certificate proclaiming that an intermediate guitar player has now entered the room? Is there a local college professor who proclaims one an intermediate player due to his/her subjective view on levels of musicianship? Perhaps there is. Perhaps there is not. Are there actually levels of musicianship? In short, yes. However, this concept is nothing to be concerned with at this stage of the game. Let's just drop the labels and progress.
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More than likely, many guitarists are left to progress on their own. Many cannot attend college or an institute geared for the guitarist. However, progressing doesn't mean that one has to enroll in the local university. Today, there are great guitarists who have never set foot in a music classroom. By the way, many of them are generating millions and millions of dollars as a result of their own personal progress on the guitar. This is great news. Just think for a moment, personal progress without judgment, labels, or a time frame. This is a winning proposition for all.
For purposes of this article, it is presumed that you have already learned and are playing a few guitar scales, some simple guitar chords (perhaps some difficult guitar chords), and have been learning some of your favorite songs. In other words, you're relatively satisfied with your progress thus far. Further, you've developed some good facility and mechanical strength. You're no longer clumsy on the guitar. You're ready to truly progress.
Educating one's self regarding key signatures is a great place to start. Knowledge of key signatures is essential to one's understanding of tonality (tonal centers, etc.). Think of it this way, without knowing what notes, tones, or chords actually belong to any particular tonality, how can one play the guitar freely without creating a musical train wreck? Guessing is a fool's game. Knowing is a winner's game.
Can millions be made without knowledge of key signatures or music theory? The answer is yes. However, one would have to surround him/herself with very knowledgeable musicians in the recording studio and in creative sessions. The rich and famous can afford this type of luxury. I'm betting that most cannot. Education is a beautiful thing folks. Why risk an entire career based on a roll of the dice? Don't guess at music, know it.
For those who are not willing to bank on fame and fortune, let's get started on some explanations regarding key signatures. First, there are fifteen major key signatures. Certain key signatures employ sharp signs (#), and some employ flat signs (b). Now, I have no intention at this juncture to itemize every key signature for you in this article. However, I will give you a few tips on tonality and recognition of key signatures. The rest will be an assignment for you to complete.
The first example we'll study is the key of C major, also referred to as the key of no sharps, no flats. The key of C major does not contain any sharp signs or flat signs. All of the notes are natural. Taking this one step further, each and every major scale represents its own respective major key signature. For example, by reciting the notes contained in the C major scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C), we discover all of the notes contained in the key of C major. Any other note, is considered chromatic (does not belong) to the key of C major. For those who are interested, any major scale (Ionian) contains half steps between the 3rd and 4th degrees and also between the 7th and 8th degrees of the major scale. This is the specific criteria for a major scale.
There is a specific order in which sharps or flats are entered into a key signature. In short, there is an order of sharps and an order of flats. The order of sharps is F-C-G-D-A-E, and B. The order of flats is B-E-A-D-G-C, and F. The order for each is always from left to right. For example, the key of G major is also referred to as the key of one sharp. In other words, we know that the key of G major contains one sharp sign. What note is going to be sharp? Look at the order of sharps. We match the number of letters (notes) from the order of sharps to the number of symbols contained in the key signature.
Since the key of G major contains one sharp sign, only one note will be sharp (look at the order of sharps). Because we always enter the order of sharps from left to right, what is the first letter (note) that we run in to? F is the answer. Therefore all F's will be sharp in the key of G major. Therefore, the diatonic notes (notes that belong) contained in the G major scale are G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G. Notice that the F note is sharp. Hence, we now know exactly what notes belong to the key of G major.
The key of D major is also known as the key of two sharps. What two notes will be sharp in the key of two sharps (D major)? Look to the order of sharps. What are the first two letters (notes) in the order of sharps? Looking from left to right at the order of sharps, we discover that all F's and C's will be sharp in the key of D major (key of two sharps). We matched the number of notes in the order of sharps to the number of symbols (sharp signs) contained in the key signature. Two sharp signs, two notes from the order. Therefore, the D major scale is D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D. Once again, we've discovered all of the diatonic notes for the key of D major.
Do key signatures that employ flat signs work any differently? The answer is no. The same principle applies. For example, the key of F major is also referred to as the key of one flat. Look at the order of flats. Which note, in the key of F major is flat? That's right, B. Therefore, the F major scale contains the notes F-G-A-Bb-C-D-E-F. All B's are flat. Now, let me explain why key signatures will play such an important role in your career as a guitarist.
Imagine walking on to a stage with some other very talented musicians. Suddenly, you're in formed that you're to solo in the key of six sharps. The next thing you hear is the drummer clicking off the tempo.
As a guitarist, it's your job to know where every single note, diatonic to the key of six sharps, is on the ENTIRE fingerboard. What if this was your big opportunity to audition for the band of your dreams? At this point, all of the fancy guitar videos, that just teach a few licks and tricks, will not help you. A good and solid foundation in guitar theory (music theory) will.
The necessity for knowing (not guessing) just gets deeper and deeper, depending upon your goals as a guitarist. Whether your goal is to perform, record, arrange, produce, release CD's, or to play backyard BBQ's. The more you know about the guitar and music theory, the better you'll become as a guitarist. Once again, this is a winning proposition.
The real challenge for most guitarists, is locating a guitar curriculum that really puts it all together. Once one locates the means to the end, the journey will be as it should be; enjoyable.
© 2008 Michael E. Fletcher. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Guitar For Beginners - Basic Music Theory - Key Signatures
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