This paper derives the generalized stiffness to find dynamic characteristics and its derivatives of a continuous system. And a new sensitivity analysis method is presented by using the amount of change of generalized stiffness and vibrational mode caused by the variation of stiffness. In this paper, to get or detect appropriate results, cantilever beam and stepped beam and stepped beam are used. Deviations of sensitivity coefficient, natural frequency, and vibrational mode are calculated as result, and compared with the theoretical exact values.