3. In the previous chapter, the focus was on the “natural” or white keys.

• In this chapter, you’ll learn how to change natural notes by also playing the black keys.

3.1. Learn the Accidentals first.

• These are symbols that raise (sharp) or lower (flat) a note by a semitone,
• which is equal to a half step up or down in pitch.

3.1.1. A half step is the nearest piano key in either direction.

• Since some white keys have no black keys between them,
• A half step can also be from one white key to another.

3.1.2. "Steps" in the previous chapter,

• Only referred to moving to the next or previous white key.

3.1.3. If half steps are 1 semitone up or down,

• whole steps are 2 semitones up or down.

3.1.4. Whole steps are also used when accidentals are doubled.

• These raise (double sharp)
• or lower (double flat)
• a note by 2 semitones
• or 2 half steps instead of 1.

3.1.5. The same piano key can have different note names depending on the accidental.

• The choice of accidental depends on the structure of the piano score.

3.1.6. Use a natural symbol.

• To cancel a previous accidental
• or return a note to its natural pitch.

Learn how natural notes change the natural keys by gradually introducing the black keys.

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