Music Fundamentals A Balanced Approach

Double Sharp, Double Flat

101

ACCIDENTALS

Workbook Exercises 4.5–4.7

Vocabulary note

ACCIDENTALS

There are five accidentals: sharp, flat, natural, double sharp, and double flat. Although the sharp, flat, and natural were used

as early as the Middle Ages, the double sharp and double flat began to be used later in the Baroque period (1600–1750) to

accommodate the harmonic demands created by music using a greater number of sharps and flats.

The double sharp raises a note a whole step;

the letter name of the note remains the same.

E E ÜÜA A

E

E A A

Ü

Ü

F

F B B

º

º

The double flat lowers a note a whole step;

the letter name of the note remains the same.

º

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