Common Major Keys

      The most common* and easy major key by far is C Major. If you refer back to the chart you will find this key has no sharps and no flats. Awesome right? No need to think about where the extra half steps are going up or down. The scale for this key would be C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C etc.. Notice that the intervals aren't always the same, most are whole steps, but a few are half steps (between E and F, and B and C). This may never confuse you, but personally I had to keep an ear out. The next most common key is G Major or F major. They have one sharp (F#) and one flat (Bb) respectively. In G Major the half steps will be between B and C again, as well as between F# and G. In F Major the half steps will be between A and Bb, and E and F. I recommend warming up with these easy scales before you practice. You could also warm up with a scale in the same key as your piece.

* Depending on the instrument you play certain keys will be easier. I do know that these are the easiest for strings. I've picked these because they require the least amount of thinking.