Accidentals, the basics - Music Theory Crash Course

Understanding Accidentals

• Accidentals are musical notes that are outside of the key signature.

• They provide options for composers to introduce notes that differ from the established key signature.

How Accidentals Work

• Accidentals are marked with specific symbols:

  • Flat (b): Lowers the note by a semitone.

  • Sharp (#): Raises the note by a semitone.

  • Natural (♮): Returns the note to its original pitch without sharps or flats.

• Accidentals apply only until the end of the measure (bar).

  • Example: A note marked as B♭ in one bar will revert to B if it appears in the next bar without an accidental marking.

Purpose and Variety of Accidentals

• Accidentals are likened to adding spice to music, similar to how sriracha enhances flavor.

• The most common accidentals are:

  • Flats

  • Sharps

  • Naturals

• There are also less common accidentals:

  • Double Sharp: Raises a note by two semitones.

  • Double Flat: Lowers a note by two semitones.

  • Half Sharps and Half Flats: Rarely used, often related to microtones.

Summary of Accidentals Affect on Notes

• Flat: Lowers the note one semitone relative to the key signature.

  • Example: B♭ lowers B♮ to B♭.

• Sharp: Raises the note one semitone relative to the key signature.

  • Example: F# raises F♮ to F#.

• Natural: Neutralizes any sharps or flats in effect for the note.

  • Example: An F♮ in a key signature with F# means to play F without the sharp.

Conclusion

• Accidentals are essential for composers to expand musical expression and introduce variety within the framework of a key signature.