The order of the flats is given by the mnemonic "Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father", and the order of sharps by the reverse ("Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle"). What is the history behind this strange phrase?
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Interesting. I always was taught it as BEAD, Greatest Common Factor– Cody GuldnerCommented Mar 5, 2013 at 4:00
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4Since I came across it, I've always preferred "Father Christmas Gave Dad An Electric Blanket - Blanket Exploded And Dad Got Cold Feet"– Brian THOMASCommented Nov 20, 2018 at 13:16
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@BrianTHOMAS That made me laugh out loud. Thank you! :-D– pr1268Commented Aug 3 at 16:39
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3 Answers
From J.R.'s answer on the English Language and Usage Stack Exchange site it dates back at least as far as 1885 since J.R. unearthed a charming quote from Educational Plans in Music Teaching, in The Quarterly Music Review, Vol. 1, 1885 where it is attributed it to a "government schoolmistress".
Unlike other mnemonics for key signature layouts such as BEADGCF ( bead + Greatest Common Factor) or for sharps, fat cats go dancing at elegant balls, the mnemonic for flats, Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father, can be reversed as "Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle" to give the order of sharps. That doesn't help with the etymology, but it explains why it has endured despite its awkwardness.
answered Mar 5, 2013 at 3:57
Michael Scott Asato CuthbertMichael Scott Asato Cuthbert
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It relates back to the circle of fifths; in this case you are going backwards (counter clockwise in conventional diagrams).
- E is a 4th above B
- A is a 4th above E
- ...
I don't believe that the mnemonic has any deep significance; it just fits the pattern of letters.
