In music, there are 12 standard keys which all compositions are created. These 12 keys starting with the key of C are:
Starting with the key of C, each key is a half step apart from each other. To better explain, a half step is the distance between each note in music such as from one key to another on a piano or from one fret to another on the guitar.
Continuing, a whole step is two half steps combined to create the distance from one key to another. Such as, from the key of C to the key of D there are two half steps or one whole step apart.
Please notice that there is a sharp (#) key between each natural key except for between B and C as well as E and F. This is very important to remember down the road when it comes to scales as well as knowing the notes in a specific key but we will get to that later.
So, to do a little quiz:
1. How many half steps are there from D to E? 2
2. How many whole steps are there from D to E? 1
3. How many half steps are there from B to C, E to F? 1
4. How many whole steps are there from C to E? 2
5. How many half steps are there from C to F? 5
Way to go! Once you understand this theory, you will begin to understand scales, intervals, finger excercises and much more.
