Sharps, flats and naturals

Accidentals temporarily change a note. A sharp raises it by a half step, a flat lowers it by a half step, and a natural cancels an earlier alteration.

Read the sign with the note

First identify the basic scale degree, then apply the sign. Within a measure the sign usually continues for the same degree and octave until a new sign appears.

Practice

• Play the note without an accidental.
• Add a sharp and compare the pitch.
• Cancel it with a natural and check by ear.

Start slowly and use your ear to check what you have read.