Sharp

Definition

Sharp is a musical notation symbol (♯) indicating that the pitch of the note should be raised by one half step. It is a crucial element in understanding scales, chords, and harmonic functions in music theory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A sharp raises the pitch of a note by one semitone.
2. In musical notation, sharps can appear in key signatures and as accidentals within measures.
3. The sharp symbol looks similar to a hashtag (#) but has two vertical lines crossed by two slanted parallel lines.
4. When transposing music, knowing how to identify and apply sharps is essential.
5. Sharps are used to create major and minor scales as well as various modes.

Review Questions

• What effect does a sharp have on a musical note?
• How is a sharp represented in musical notation?
• Why are sharps important when understanding scales and keys?

Related terms

Flat: A flat (♭) lowers the pitch of a note by one half step.

Natural: A natural (♮) cancels any previous accidentals and returns the note to its original pitch.

Key Signature: A set of sharps or flats at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of the composition.