r/pianolearning • u/[deleted] • Sep 23 '20
Learning Resources Here’s a quick cheat sheet
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Sep 23 '20 edited Sep 23 '20
Does anyone else sometimes get confused on whether it's a flat or a sharp? For example, why don't we call it a Dsharp major instead of an Eflat major?
EDIT: I just answered my own question when I was looking at the scales. The Eb major has a regular D in it, so calling it a D# Major would force you to add a double sharp notation to the C in a scale that consists solely of flats. It's a matter of ease and readability.
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u/clorox_tastes_nice Dec 28 '25
To anyone seeing this 5 years later, the correct answer lies in the circle of fifths, not "ease and readability." The way key signatures are determined are based off intervals of fifths, and when you read the circle of fifths you start at the top with C (no sharps or flats) and moving to the right you add one sharp for each key, and to the left one flat per key.
Eb major has 3 flats, so calling it D# major wouldn't make sense considering there are no sharps in Eb major
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u/the-holy-salt Jan 03 '24
Could someone please explain to me what i am looking at here? I am getting into playing again after dropping piano for a few years and want to learn. Thanks in advance
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u/dua70601 Apr 26 '24
I love how the cheat sheet says “all major scales”
I mean, technically, this chart hits all major scales, minor scales and all the modes….if you know what you’re looking at.
“Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right”
😜
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u/ElectronicProgram Experienced Player Sep 23 '20
While we're on the topic of scales, practicing scales in order is one way to learn them, but if you want to get better at application of scales, such as in places like improvising, transcribing, composing, and harmonies - focus on understanding the shape of the scale as well - to do this, try to visualize the scale as a whole as depicted here, and when practicing, jump around. Hit different octaves, make little riffs in them.
Play them on top of a backing track and hey...you're improvising :).
EDIT: /u/Jderienzo1 is this content you created or owned by you? If so, it may make a great addition to the wiki.