Editing Key signatures

The key signature indicates the tonality in which a piece is played. It is denoted by a set of alterations (flats or sharps) at the start of the staff.

Setting or changing the key signature is done with the <code>\key</code> command

<pre>\key pitch type</pre>
Here, <code>type</code> should be <code>\major</code> or <code>\minor</code> to get <code>pitch</code>-major or <code>pitch</code>-minor, respectively. You may also use the standard mode names (also called “church modes”): <code>\ionian</code>, <code>\locrian</code>, <code>\aeolian</code>, <code>\mixolydian</code>, <code>\lydian</code>, <code>\phrygian</code>, and <code>\dorian</code>.

This command sets the context property <code>Staff.keySignature</code>. Non-standard key signatures can be specified by setting this property directly.

Accidentals and key signatures often confuse new users, because unaltered notes get natural signs depending on the key signature.

<lilypond version="2.24.0">
%% http://lsr.di.unimi.it/LSR/Item?id=175

\relative c''{
  \key d \major
    a b cis d
  \key g \minor
    a bes c d
  \set Staff.printKeyCancellation = ##f
  \key d \major
    a b cis d
  \key g \minor
    a bes c d
}
</lilypond>

[[Category:Pitches]]
[[Category:Really simple]]