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Why do we sometimes call it an A^# and other times call it a B^b?

In order to keep the flow of alphabetical note names, we will chose either the flat (b) or the sharp (#) of the next note in the sequence.  For example:  In the key of F, the notes in the scale are:

F G A B^b C D E F

Correct notation demands that we use the note name B^b instead of A ^# so that the note name B will follow instead of having two A's (A and then A ^# ) in a row.  This is called an enharmonic note.  A great tool to learn which keys have sharps and flat's is called the circle of 4th/5ths.    Which leads us to:

What is this mysterious thing called the circle of 4th/5ths?

Reading around the circle starting from the C going to the right, we are moving up an interval called a 5th.  Going around the circle to the left, we are moving up an interval called a 4th.  For example:

In the key of C:

C   D   E   F   G   A   B   C

I    ii    iii   IV V    vi   vii    I

We see that G is the 5th note  (Roman numeral V) of the C scale, an interval of a 5th.

We see also that F is the 4th note (Roman numeral IV)  of the scale, an interval of a 4th. 

The circle of 4ths/5ths helps memorize sharps and flats in any given key.

C- 0 sharps or flats

G- 1 sharp, F#

D- 2 sharps, F# and C#

A- 3 sharps, F#, C# and G#

E- 4 sharps, F#, C#, G# and D#

Go back to the circle and look at this information, you will see a pattern!

Likewise for flats:

C- 0 sharps or flats

F- 1 flat, Bb

Bb- 2 flats, Bb and Eb

Eb- 3 flats, Bb, Eb, Ab

Ab- 4 flats, Bb, Eb, Ab and Db

etc. etc. etc.  

Any other questions?  Email Michelle at md@michelledumond.com