Analysing Key Signatures

Key signature patterns
- Related minor key is a minor 3rd below major key tonic.
- The ‘next’ major key is a major 3rd below its ‘previous’ minor key in the cycle of flats.
- The ‘next’ major key is an augmented 4th below its ‘previous’ major key in the cycle of flats.
- Sharps: The last sharp is the ‘leading note’.
- Flats; The 2nd last flat is the tonic (except F, which is 1 flat).
- The cycle of sharps is a cycle of 5ths!!!

The order of sharps and flats?!
- Sharps: F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#
- Flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb

An interesting reference: My Music Theory

It seems as though working through the full cycle is the only way to actually comprehend the relationship between these sound formations.
- List all major keys?
- List all minor keys?
- List all major keys with sharps?
- List all minor key with flats?
- ...
- List all major keys around the cycle in either direction?

Knowing a key signature and it's 'name' in isolation is meaningless. The significance is how it relates to all other key signatures. How is it related to other key signatures. How do you get from one location on the cycle to the other. How dissonant and keys on opposite sides of the cycle?

There is no purpose in using 'pattern' mentioned above to recollect a key signature in isolation.

A key signature should be recognised by it's surrounding land scape.

C, G, D, A, E, B,
It's interesting how a visual construct is formed whilst memorising these relationship.

DOMINANT MAJOR CYCLE
C
G
D
A
E
B
F# / G♭ --- shift from sharps to flats.
D♭
A♭
E♭
B♭
F
C