Enharmonic Equivalents (Musical Synonyms)
This is a concept that confuses many beginners, but it is simple if you look at the piano keyboard.
Definition: Two notes that have different names but sound exactly the same and are played on the same key.
The Logic: Look at the black key between G and A.
- If you start at G and go up (Sharp), it is G♯.
- If you start at A and go down (Flat), it is Aâ™.
- Therefore: G♯ = Aâ™.
They are the same sound. The name we use depends on the “grammar” of the musical key we are in (which we will learn in the next Volume).
Common Enharmonics:
- C♯ = Dâ™
- D♯ = Eâ™
- F♯ = Gâ™
- The Tricky One: What is E Sharp?
- E has no black key to its right. So, E♯ is actually F.
- Similarly, Câ™ is actually B.
