Sharps, flats and naturals

The smallest step

On a piano, the very next key is a semitone away. It can be black or white. A semitone is the smallest step in our music. Press play: each note is one semitone higher.

Sharp, flat, natural

A sharp raises a note by a semitone. A flat lowers a note by a semitone. A natural cancels a sharp or a flat. These signs are called accidentals. They go in front of the note, on the same line or space.

Reading the sign

Read the letter first: here the note is in the bottom space, F. Then look at the sign in front of it. A sharp makes it F sharp.

Remember

• A semitone is the very next key on a piano.
• Sharp up, flat down, natural cancels.
• The sign goes in front of the note.