Key Signatures Learn to identify major or minor keys based on the number of sharps or flats appearing in the key signature. Key signatures appear just after the clef symbol on each line of music. When you know the key signature and the notes of the corresponding major or minor scale, you know the notes the composer used as the raw materials for the melodies and harmonies in the piece. Skill levels let you select any combination of major or minor keys, using sharps or flats. The notes of these scales are the raw materials used to construct melodies and chords.
Modes Learn the modal scales.
Modes were commonly used by Renaissance composers and are used today in jazz, pop and some 20th century concert music. The major and natural minor scales are derived from the Ionian and Aeolian modes. Jazz Scales Learn the notes of several jazz scales. The notes of these scales are used as raw materials for improvising. The more advanced musician can practice playing scales like Dorian flat 2, Lydian Sharp 5, Mixolydian sharp 4, Mixolydian Flat 6, Minor flat 5, and Locrian flat 4.