How to Work Out the Number of Sharps in Each Major Scale
Understanding the number of sharps in major scales is easier than it sounds once you know the circle of fifths and the pattern of sharps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it simple.
1. Start with C Major
C Major is your reference point. It has:
- No sharps or flats
- Notes:
C D E F G A B
Think of C Major as the “home base” of all major scales.
2. What is a Perfect Fifth?
A perfect fifth is one of the most fundamental intervals in music:
- It is the distance between two notes spanning 7 semitones (half-steps).
- Called “perfect” because it sounds very stable and consonant.
- Examples:
C → GD → AG → D
Shortcut trick:
- Count five letter names starting from the root note.
- C (1), D (2), E (3), F (4), G (5) → perfect fifth.
- Adjust for sharps/flats as needed.
3. Move Up by Fifths to Add Sharps
Every time you move up a perfect fifth (7 semitones), you add one sharp to the scale.
The order of sharps is:
F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#
Mnemonic to remember this:
Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle
4. Major Scales With Sharps
Here’s the sequence of major scales as you move up by fifths:
| Major Scale | Number of Sharps | Sharps in Scale |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0 | — |
| G | 1 | F# |
| D | 2 | F#, C# |
| A | 3 | F#, C#, G# |
| E | 4 | F#, C#, G#, D# |
| B | 5 | F#, C#, G#, D#, A# |
| F# | 6 | F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E# |
| C# | 7 | F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B# |
Notice the pattern: each time you move up a fifth, add one sharp.
5. Using Flats Instead
If a scale uses flats instead of sharps:
- Move down a fifth each time.
- Order of flats:
B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭
Mnemonic for flats:
Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
6. Circle of Fifths Cheat Sheet
Sharps (Clockwise):
C → G → D → A → E → B → F# → C#
Flats (Counterclockwise):
C → F → Bb → Eb → Ab → Db → Gb → Cb
Quick Tips:
- Sharps: Add one each fifth clockwise from C.
- Flats: Add one each fifth counterclockwise from C.
- The order of sharps/flats never changes, so you can instantly write out any major scale.
With this method, you’ll never have to wonder how many sharps are in a major scale again!