Lesson 3: Sharps and Flats

In this lesson, you are learning about: Whole steps and half steps Sharps and Flats Examples Key Signatures Practice Opportunity	Sharps and Flats Sharps are placed in front of notes to indicate that the next highest half step should sound instead of the natural pitch. Flats are placed in front of notes to indicate that the next lowest half step should sound instead of the natural pitch. Check out some examples.	Notes without either sharps or flats are "natural."
	Now for the tricky part — notes can have more than one name! For example: Placing a sharp in front of A makes the note A sharp. A sharp sounds a half step higher than A. Placing a flat in front of B makes the note B flat. B flat sounds a half step lower than B. A and B are one whole step apart. That means A sharp and B flat are the same pitch. Check out some examples.