Accidentals
Accidentals raise or lower a note by a semitone, either in the key signature or in the bar.
Accidentals explained
- Sharp
- Raises the note by one semitone. In a key signature it applies to that note in every octave for the whole piece.
- Flat
- Lowers the note by one semitone.
- Natural
- Cancels a previous sharp or flat, returning the note to its natural pitch.
- Double sharp
- Raises the note by two semitones (a whole tone). Written as a small cross.
- Double flat
- Lowers the note by two semitones, written as two flats together.
Accidentals — frequently asked questions
What accidentals are used in sheet music?
This page covers 5: Sharp, Flat, Natural, Double sharp, Double flat.
What does the sharp symbol mean?
Raises the note by one semitone. In a key signature it applies to that note in every octave for the whole piece.
What does the flat symbol mean?
Lowers the note by one semitone.
What does the natural symbol mean?
Cancels a previous sharp or flat, returning the note to its natural pitch.
What does the double sharp symbol mean?
Raises the note by two semitones (a whole tone). Written as a small cross.
Is the accidentals chart free to print?
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