Key Signature

It's important to understand the difference between flat and sharp notes.  Flat notes lower the pitch and sharp notes raise the pitch. Sharp notes have a # symbol and flat notes have a symbol that looks similar to the lower case letter b,

Sharp Key Signature: F# C# G# D# A# E# B#

Follow the sharp key signature in order from left to right.  For example in a key signature  with one sharp; you would play an F#. In a key signature with two sharps; you would play both an F# and C#.  In a key signature with three sharps; you would play F#, C#, and G#.  In a key signature with four sharps; you would play F#, C#, G#, and D#.  In a key signature with five sharps; you would play F#, C#, G#, D#, and A#. And Etc. for the rest of the list of SHARPS.

Flat Key Signature:B flat E flat A flat D flat G flat C flat F flat

Follow the flat key signature in order from left to right.  For example in a key signature  with one flat; you would play an B Flat. In a key signature with two flats; you would play both an B Flat and E Flat.  In a key signature with three flats; you would play B Flat, E Flat, and A Flat.  In a key signature with four flats; you would play B Flat, E Flat, A Flat, and D Flat.  In a key signature with five flats; you would play B Flat, E Flat, A Flat, D Flat, and G Flat. And Etc. for the rest of the list of FLATS.

What Sharp and Flat Symbols Look Like:

What Sharp and Flat Symbols Look Like in a Key Signature:

Naturals

When no flats or sharps are in a key signature; the note is natural.   If there is a natural key signature; you would play all notes natural.

In a natural key signature; there is usually nothing there unless a natural sign is put there.

What Natural Key Signatures Usually Look Like:

What The Natural Symbol Looks Like: