G-sharp major

What it means

G-sharp major is a theoretical major key whose key signature would require eight sharps, one of them a double sharp: six single sharps (C-sharp, G-sharp, D-sharp, A-sharp, E-sharp, B-sharp) and the double sharp on F (F double sharp), counted as two sharps. Its tonic is G-sharp; its relative minor would be E-sharp minor.

Musical use

In practice G-sharp major is not used because the accidentals make reading very difficult. Instead one notates the sonically identical key of A-flat major with only four flats. G-sharp major therefore turns up mainly as an example in theory, for instance on the circle of fifths, which beyond six sharps leads into keys with double accidentals. Single passages that lead temporarily to G-sharp major are usually written enharmonically as A-flat major.

G-sharp major should be distinguished from A-flat major, which notates the same notes with four flats, and from F-sharp major, the practically used sharp key with six sharps. It also differs from G-sharp minor, which has five sharps and is in practical use as a minor key.

Performance practice

If you meet passages in G-sharp major, think them as A-flat major and read the notes accordingly. A double sharp raises the note by two semitones, so watch the F double sharp closely.