Key Signatures and Major Keys (ABRSM Grade 2)

Last Updated on 16 May 2026 by Victoria Williams

The major scales that we’ve learnt (ABRSM Grade 2) which use sharp key signatures are G, D and A major. The sharps in key signatures are always written in this order:

F# – C# – G#

in these treble clef positions:

and these bass clef positions:

You need to learn the exact positions of the sharps on the staff for grade 2 music theory.

View the Complete Grade 2 Music Theory Video Courses

We never write the sharps in the following positions, for example:

The F sharp and G sharp need to be moved up an octave.

Major Key Signatures with Flats

The major keys with flats we need to know about for ABRSM Grade Two Music Theory are F, Bb and Eb. For Trinity Grade 2, only F major is needed. The flats are always written in this order:

Bb – Eb – Ab

The treble clef flats are always written in these positions:

and the bass clef flats are written in these positions:

Again, the exact position of the flats is very important, so make sure you know where they go!