How many sharps are in the E Major scale?

The E Major scale consists of four sharps. In a major scale, the pattern of whole and half steps defines the specific notes that will be included. In the case of E Major, the scale is built from the root note E and follows this order: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E. The sharps present in this scale are F#, C#, G#, and D#.

Understanding the structure of major scales, particularly how sharps are derived from the circle of fifths, can help in recognizing that E is the fourth scale in the line of keys that progressively increase in sharps, confirming the inclusion of four sharps in E Major. This makes it a critical concept that can aid in identifying other scales as well, further enriching a student’s grasp of music theory.