Learn What are Accidentals in Music Theory

What are Accidentals in Music Theory – Used to alter the pitch of a note. Learn more about it here.

Accidentals are musical symbols that are used to change the pitch of a note.

The pitch can either be raised or lowered and the change can be either a half step or a whole step. We know that all the seven notes, denoted by alphabets, are basically white keys.

The black keys on a piano are named by placing the accidentals next to the name of these notes.

The Various Accidentals

Let us go through the various symbols denoting the different music accidentals.

Sharp

The ‘sharp’ raises a note by a half step (semitone) and it is denoted by placing ‘#’ next to the note. For example G# is the black note immediately to the right of G.

Flat

The ‘flat’ lowers a note by a half step (semitone) and it is denoted by placing ‘b’ next to the note. For example Bb is the black note immediately to the left of B.

Double Sharp

While a sharp raises a note by a half step, the “double sharp” raises a note by a whole step (2 semitones). It is denoted by placing an ‘x’ next to the note. For example Cx is same as the D note since it is one whole step above C.

Double Flat

While a flat lowers a note by a half step, the “double flat” lowers a note by a whole step (2 semitones). It is denoted by placing ‘bb’ next to the note. For example Dbb is same as the C note since it is one whole step below D.

Natural

This sign cancels out any of the previous accidentals and the note needs to be played assuming no accidental i.e. you need to play the white key.

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