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Fundamentals of Music Theory |
Half Steps
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Two keys on the keyboard that lie next to each other with no keys between them are a half step apart. |
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| Click on the key that is a half step above
the given note.
Click on the key that is a half step below
the given note.
Is this a half step? (For help, picture both
notes on the keyboard)
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A Word on Accidentals
There are two types of accidentals: single accidentals and double
accidentals. The single accidentals are the sharp (
)
and the flat (
).
They raise or lower a note by one half step. The double accidentals--the
double sharp (
)
and double flat (
)--alter
a note by two half steps! A natural sign (
)
cancels out an accidental. Always put accidentals to the left of the note
they refer to. When working with double accidentals, it is often helpful
to picture the note on the keyboard:
Next Page: Types of Half Steps