165
Major Scale Key Signatures
The song below, “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” (Stevie Wonder), may appear to be easy to sing or play
because it is written in C major and does not have any sharps or flats in the music. However, it may be difficult
for many to sing because the composer requires the performer to sing relatively high pitches.
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” (Stevie Wonder) in C Major
Asoprano, who has the woman’s highest voice range, could sing this piece as written in C major where C is the
tonic note. An alto, who has a lower voice range, would probably prefer singing the piece starting on a lower
note and perhaps use the E major scale. When E is the tonic note, the highest pitch in the piece is a “B” which
would be more comfortable for the alto to sing.
165 Major Scale Key Signatures
167 Major Scales with Sharps
169 Finding the Tonic Note in a Major Scale with Sharps
172 Major Scales with Flats
174 Finding the Tonic Note in a Major Scale with Flats
176 Circle of Fifths—Major Keys
179 “Courtesy” Accidentals
180 Transposition: Using a Key Signature
183 Workbook