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.
Quick check
Which sign lowers a note by a semitone?
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.
Quick check
What is this note?
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.
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This question is in Brainlag Plus