Note pitches can be modified by using accidentals:
Accidental | Name | Effect |
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sharp | Raises the note 1 half step |
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flat | Lowers the note 1 half step |
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double sharp | Raises the note 2 half steps or 1 whole step |
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double flat | Lowers the note 2 half steps or 1 whole step |
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natural | Cancels any previous accidental |
In music writing an accidental affects every note of the same name, same voice and in the same octave within a measure. In the following example the last G note is sharp (we would need to add a natural sign if we wanted it natural):
Go to Whole and Half Steps for more information on accidentals and their relationship to the piano.
See Reading Music in the Tutorials section.