User manual

Key signatures
Key signatures are the markings that show the current key of music by indicating which notes in
the scale for that key are sharpened or attened. They are shown at the start of each system on
every applicable staff.
Traditionally, accidentals are organized following the pattern of the circle of fths, which is
different for sharp keys and at keys.
Using key signatures saves space, as by indicating which notes are generally going to be sharp or
at in the music in one group at the start of each system, these notes do not need an accidental
beside them every time they occur.
By default, key signatures apply to the whole score. However, there are certain situations where
some parts require their own key signature, independently of the rest of the ensemble. You can
input key signatures that apply to all staves or only apply to single staves in Dorico SE. Once you
have input a key signature, all notes you subsequently input follow the key signature, for
example, if you input an
F after inputting a G major key signature, an F♯ is input automatically.
In Dorico SE, key signatures exist within the overarching tonality system for your project. The
only tonality system in Dorico SE is 12-EDO.
RELATED LINKS
Tonality systems on page 614
Input methods for key signatures on page 207
Note input on page 159
Key signature arrangements
Dorico SE automatically follows conventions for the placement and appearance of key signatures,
such as showing accidentals in the accepted circle of fths order and positioning key signatures
between clefs and time signatures.
The order in which accidentals are shown in key signatures is different for sharp keys and at
keys.
● For sharps: F♯, C♯, G♯, D♯, A♯, E♯, B♯
● For ats: B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭, G♭, C♭, F♭
Accidentals are arranged automatically in these orders in Dorico SE for all standard Western key
signatures. There is an accepted pattern for the placement of accidentals in a key signature, so
that they t inside the staff according to the current clef. The pattern of accidentals is the same in
all clefs, apart from the tenor clef, which requires sharp key signatures to follow a different,
ascending pattern to ensure the accidentals
t on the staff.
Clef
Arrangement of sharps Arrangement of ats
Treble
608
Dorico SE 3.1.10