20: The Piano Keyboard
Sharp Notes on the Keyboard
A sharp note is any black key to the right of a white key (remember to the
right is higher). The sharp note names are derived from the key directly
to the left of the black key. For example, the black key directly to the
right of the C is C sharp. The black key directly to the right of the F is F
sharp.Example 20.4 Piano Keyboard with natural notes and sharp notes.
Enharmonic Notes
You probably noticed that each black key has both a sharp name and a
flat name. When notes have the same pitch but different names, they’re
called enharmonic notes.
Enharmonic notes are a lot like homonyms, words that sound alike but
mean different things, like the words to, too, and two. Enharmonic notes
are the same pitch but have different meanings.
A common question is, “Why bother? Doesn’t that make things
confusing?” Well, yes, it does make things a bit confusing but there are
several good reasons for enharmonic notes. The first I’ll show you later
in this chapter; others will have to wait until we get to scales and chords
in Parts V and VI.C# D# F# G# A# C# D#