Key signatures

MattP · #1 08-18-2011, 01:29 PM

I understand why there are 15 major key signatures and 15 minor key signatures (totaling 30). Here is where I get a little lost. Why only 30? There are a total of 7 modes. Even if I eliminate ii, iii, and IV (majors and minors), I'm still left with a dominant key and a diminished key. Is it just convention that songs are written in those modes so we don't acknowledge key signatures for them?

Ant Wellington · #2 08-18-2011, 02:10 PM

Modes aren't keys

MattP · #3 08-18-2011, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the reminder on that. Since the major and minor scales happen to map to modes, I forget the distinction.

What about the other scales? For example, the blues scale, whole tone, bebop scale, etc.

Schlyder · #4 08-18-2011, 08:17 PM

Pick up a book about music theory, and do a refresher. And start at chapter 1. And don't skip chapters. It seems you have skipped some information, and that is why you are running into problems understanding.

Ant Wellington · #5 08-19-2011, 04:52 AM

I agree with Schlyder. That is the reason why I own so many theory books. I collect them like some people collect stamps. Some of my favorite are listed on my Bassology page.

I just wish I had my theory books from high school and college. Just for nostalgia purposes.

peace,
anthony

TolerancEJ · #6 08-19-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ant Wellington

...I just wish I had my theory books from high school and college. Just for nostalgia purposes.

peace,
anthony

I forgot to give mine back at the end of grade 12, so I still have mine. lol

MattP · #7 08-20-2011, 10:51 PM

Harmony and Theory is on the way from the library and Edly's is on the way from Amazon. I'll revisit this after I brush up.

**jmac** · #8 08-21-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattP

Harmony and Theory is on the way from the library and Edly's is on the way from Amazon. I'll revisit this after I brush up.

Harmony and Theory is a great book. You'll need a transcript book so you can do the exercises. It makes it easier than using regular paper.

JimL · #9 08-21-2011, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmac

Harmony and Theory is a great book. You'll need a transcript book so you can do the exercises. It makes it easier than using regular paper.

Or a printer and Staff Paper Generator.

MattP · #10 08-24-2011, 09:50 AM

Thanks for the advice,jmac and JimL. I have a mostly blank book of staff paper. I have a printer if I need more, but I like the weight and feel of a book of staff paper more.