Is this going to be one of those threads where we talk about accidentally great songs?
1. Topics of discussion
In this tutorial, we'll be taking a look at the ways in which we can alter the pitch of a note, while also discussing the concept of enharmonic notes. So, let's have some fun.
2. Accidentals
Accidentals are musical symbols which, when used on a note, alter its pitch by one semitone or one tone. There are 5 accidentals in music. Here is what they look like:
You can listen to the impact of these accidentals on the C note here.
So, let's see what these accidentals are called like and what they do:
3. Enharmonic notes
Now that we know what accidentals are, it's time to take a look at enharmonic notes. Enharmonic notes are two notes with different notations that have the exact same pitch.
Think of it like this. What note do you obtain when you sharpen a C? The answer is C♯. What note do you obtain when you flatten a D? The answer is D♭. However, when you actually play these notes on an instrument, you will realize that they are one and the same, pitch-wise.
So why are there two notations? The answer to that question is closely linked to the key (or scale) the song is written in. We will get a firm grasp of keys when we talk about scales and the circle of 5ths.
And that about covers it for this tutorial. Next time we're going to discuss simple music intervals. See you then.
- Topics of discussion
- Accidentals
- Enharmonic notes
1. Topics of discussion
In this tutorial, we'll be taking a look at the ways in which we can alter the pitch of a note, while also discussing the concept of enharmonic notes. So, let's have some fun.
2. Accidentals
Accidentals are musical symbols which, when used on a note, alter its pitch by one semitone or one tone. There are 5 accidentals in music. Here is what they look like:
You can listen to the impact of these accidentals on the C note here.
So, let's see what these accidentals are called like and what they do:
- the sharp (♯) accidental raises the pitch of a note by one semitone
- the flat (♭) accidental lowers the pitch of a note by one semitone
- the natural (♮) accidental returns the note to its original pitch
- the double flat (
) accidental lowers the pitch of a note by one tone (or two semitones)
- the double sharp (
) accidental raises the pitch of a note by one tone (or two semitones)
3. Enharmonic notes
Now that we know what accidentals are, it's time to take a look at enharmonic notes. Enharmonic notes are two notes with different notations that have the exact same pitch.
Think of it like this. What note do you obtain when you sharpen a C? The answer is C♯. What note do you obtain when you flatten a D? The answer is D♭. However, when you actually play these notes on an instrument, you will realize that they are one and the same, pitch-wise.
So why are there two notations? The answer to that question is closely linked to the key (or scale) the song is written in. We will get a firm grasp of keys when we talk about scales and the circle of 5ths.
And that about covers it for this tutorial. Next time we're going to discuss simple music intervals. See you then.
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