Double sharp meaning

A double sharp raises a note by two semitones.


Double sharp definitions

Word backwards elbuod prahs
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "double sharp" is an adjective.
Syllabic division dou-ble sharp
Plural The plural of double sharp is double sharps.
Total letters 11
Vogais (4) o,u,e,a
Consonants (7) d,b,l,s,h,r,p

When it comes to music theory, the concept of a double sharp can initially seem quite complex. A double sharp is an accidental used to raise the pitch of a note by two half steps. In simpler terms, it is essentially equivalent to raising a note by a whole step. This means that if a note is already sharp and needs to be raised by another half step, a double sharp is used.

Double sharps are not as commonly used as regular sharps or flats, but they do have their place in music notation. They most often appear in pieces that modulate to more distant key signatures or have complex chromatic passages. In these situations, a double sharp may be the most logical way to represent a note that is outside of the key signature.

Key Considerations

It's important to understand that a double sharp only affects the note it precedes within the same measure. Once the measure ends, the effect of the double sharp is no longer in play. Additionally, the same note with a double sharp can be notated with a natural sign to cancel out the double sharp, returning it to its original pitch.

Notation and Usage

In sheet music, a double sharp is represented by a symbol that looks like an "x." This distinguishes it from a regular sharp sign. The key takeaway with double sharps is to remember that they raise a note by two half steps, which can help simplify complex music passages and ensure accuracy in performance.

By understanding the purpose and usage of a double sharp, musicians can effectively interpret and play pieces of music that include these unique accidentals. While they may not be as common as other accidentals, double sharps play a crucial role in accurately notating and performing music across various genres and styles.


Double sharp Examples

  1. The music piece has a challenging passage with a double sharp note.
  2. The composer decided to enhance the key signature by adding a double sharp.
  3. The piano player struggled to play the complex double sharp scale.
  4. The orchestra tuned their instruments to match the double sharp pitch.
  5. The violinist carefully fingered the double sharp note in the concerto.
  6. The music teacher explained the concept of double sharp to the student.
  7. The singer hit the double sharp perfectly during the performance.
  8. The composer decided to resolve the dissonance by adding a double sharp.
  9. The double sharp accidentally got written as a natural in the sheet music.
  10. The clarinet player confidently played the double sharp in the orchestra.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 18/05/2024 - 13:56:39