Accidentals

Sharp: raises a note a half step
The letter name of the note remains the same.
On the keyboard, move to the nearest note to the right.
The black key C sharp is a half step higher in pitch than the white key C.
The white key E sharp is a half step higher in pitch than the white key E.
The black key A sharp is a half step higher in pitch than the white key A.
There are two notes with sharps that are white keys: E sharp (E#) and B sharp (B#).
Note that B# corresponds to C, and E# corresponds to F. When a note has more than one spelling, this is called an enharmonic spelling.
Double sharp: raises a note two half steps
- The letter name of the note remains the same

Flat: lowers a note a half step
The letter name of the note remains the same.
On the keyboard, move to the nearest note to the left.
The white key F flat is a half step lower in pitch than the white key F.
The black key B flat is a half step lower in pitch than the white key B.
There are two notes with flats that are white keys: F flat (Fb) and C flat (Cb).
Note the enharmonic spellings: F flat is the enharmonic equivalent to E, and C flat is the enharmonic equivalent to B.
Double flat: lowers a note two half steps
- The letter name of the note remains the same.

Accidentals drawn on the staff are placed precisely on the same line or in the same space as the note being modified and directly in front of the note.
- However, when labeling a note, accidentals follow the letter name: we draw “sharp F” and say “F sharp.”
An accidental lasts for one complete measure or until another accidental cancels it..
Bar lines cancel previous accidentals.
An accidental applies only to a note on one line or space; notes an octave higher or lower are not affected by previous accidentals.
A “courtesy” accidental may be placed in front of a note as a reminder.

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