Same Key Signature for Two Keys
Key signatures for E major in sheet music are 4 sharps: F#, C#, G#, D#. C# sharp minor also has the same pattern. Then how can we identify whether a song is in E major or C# minor from sheet music?
The key signature with four sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#) can represent either E major or C# minor.
The following image displays the initial segment of the sheet music for the Shape of You song by Ed Sheeran. In this image, you can see that the key signature area has four sharps.
The key signature alone doesn’t determine whether the piece is in a major or minor key. Instead, it indicates the presence of certain sharps or flats in the piece, and additional context is needed to identify the tonality.
So, looking at the key signature alone isn’t enough to definitively determine the key; and there are ways to identify which key the song is actually in.
Here’s how you can differentiate between E major and C# minor:
Starting and Ending Notes and Chords
Look at the starting and ending notes of the piece.
E major will likely start and end on E, while C# minor will start and end on C#.
The most commonly used chords at the beginning and end of a piece often reveal the key.
In E major, these chords would likely be E major, A major, and B major. In C# minor, they’d be C# minor, F# minor, and G# mino
- E major: Typically starts and ends on E.
- C# minor: Typically starts and ends on C#.
Look at the Overall Tone
If the piece generally sounds happy, bright, and resolves to E as the tonic (or home) note, it is likely in E major. Music in E major tends to have a brighter, more cheerful feel.
If the piece has a more somber or melancholic feel and resolves to C# as the tonic, it is likely in C# minor. Music in C# minor tends to have a darker, more melancholic feel.
Check the Chords and Progressions
In E major, you would expect to see chords based on E (major), A (major), and B (major). Chord progressions often revolve around E major chords.
In C# minor, you would expect to see chords based on C# (minor), F# (minor), and G# (major). Chord progressions often revolve around C# minor chords.
Other Clues in the Sheet Music
Tempo and dynamics: Fast tempos and loud dynamics are more likely in E major, while slow tempos and soft dynamics are more likely in C# minor.
Accidentals: While the key signature has four sharps, the presence of additional sharps or flats in the music can point towards a specific key.
Range: E major music tends to have a brighter sound with melodies often higher in the vocal or instrumental range compared to C# minor, which has a darker, more introspective feel.
Common practice: E major is a much more common key than C# minor, especially for beginner pieces.
Examine Melodic and Harmonic Elements
The melodic and harmonic elements within the piece can also provide clues.
For example, a strong emphasis on the note E in the melody might indicate E major, while an emphasis on C# might suggest C# minor.
In many cases, the overall sound and resolution of the piece will give a clear indication of whether it’s in E major or C# minor. Music theory, chord progressions, and melodic elements all play a role in determining the tonality of a composition.
Ultimately, a combination of these factors will help you accurately determine the key: Analyzing the starting and ending chords, melodic tendencies, range, and even the overall mood of the piece can give you a clearer picture.
Piano Notes for Songs
- Perfect - Ed Sheeran (Easy)
- Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
- Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley (Easy)
- Faded - Alan Walker - Notes and Chords (Updated)
- A Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman (Easy - Updated)
- Everything I Do, I Do It for You - Bryan Adams
- A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay (Notes and Chords)
- Diamonds - Rihanna
- Demons - Imagine Dragons
- Let It Be - The Beatles
- Believer - Imagine Dragons (Melody and Chords)
- The Winner Takes It All - ABBA
- My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion (Easy - Melody and Chords)
- The Scientist - Coldplay
- Let Her Go - Passenger
- Shallow - Lady Gaga - Bradley Cooper
- Alone - Alan Walker
Easy Piano Songs For Beginners
- Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley (Easy)
- A Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman (Easy - Updated)
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
- We Wish You A Merry Christmas
- Christmas Song: Jingle Bells
- A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay (Notes and Chords)
- Let It Be - The Beatles
- My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion (Easy - Melody and Chords)
- Yesterday - The Beatles (Easy for Beginners)
- Thunder - Imagine Dragons (Easy)
- The Scientist - Coldplay
- Birthday Song - Happy Birthday to You
- Imagine - John Lennon
- Wings - Birdy (Very Easy)
- Yellow - Coldplay (Easy)
- The Wheels on the Bus - Kids Song
- Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver (Easy)
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat - Song for Children
- What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- Dame tu Cosita - El Chombo
Piano Notes
- Say Something - A Great Big World - Christina Aguilera
- Earth Song - Michael Jackson
- Viva La Vida - Coldplay
- Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish
- Please Please Please - Sabrina Carpenter
- Daylight - David Kushner
- Merry Christmas - Ed Sheeran and Elton John
- Shake It Off - Taylor Swift (melody and chords)
- Rockstar - Lisa and Ryan Tedder
- Treat You Better - Shawn Mendes
- Too Good at Goodbyes - Sam Smith
- Unstoppable - Sia
- Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish
- As It Was - Harry Styles
- Dark Horse - Katy Perry
- Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
- Fortnight - Taylor Swift
- Imagine - John Lennon
- CHIHIRO - Billie Eilish
- Radioactive - Imagine Dragons