What Are Accidentals?
An accidental is a symbol that turns a note into a sharp, a flat, or a natural:
- Sharp (♯): Makes a note higher in pitch by a half step.
- Flat (♭): Makes a note lower in pitch by a half step.
- Natural (♮): Returns a note to its original pitch after having been sharpened or flattened. Naturals also cancel out sharps or flats implied by a key signature.
Double-Accidentals
Double-sharps (x) and double-flats (♭♭) occur in certain chords and scales. Double-naturals (♮♮) cancel out a double-accidental in traditional sheet music, but a single natural sign may now be used.
See More Musical Symbols:■Staff & Barlines ■Note Lengths ■Articulation Marks ■Repeat Signs
■The Grand Staff ■Dotted Notes ■Dynamics & Volume ■Segno & Coda Signs
■Time Signatures ■Accidentals ■Key Signatures ■Pedal Marks
■Tempo Commands ■Piano Chords ■Music Rests ■8va & Octave Commands
