Definition

1. Noun:
   • A musical notation symbol: A double sharp is a symbol used in musical notation. It consists of two sharp signs (♯♯ or 'x') placed before a note. This symbol instructs the performer to raise the pitch of that note by two semitones (a whole tone) from its natural pitch.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The key signature has a double sharp on the F, making it sound like a G.
  • When you see a double sharp, remember to play the note two half-steps higher.
  • The composer used a double sharp to modulate to a distant key.

Advanced Usage

• Enharmonic Equivalence: A note altered by a double sharp is often enharmonically equivalent to another natural note. For example, C double sharp (C♯♯) sounds the same as the note D.
  • In this passage, the A double sharp is functionally the same as B natural.
• In Key Signatures: While rare, double sharps can appear in key signatures, particularly in highly complex tonal music.
  • The piece is written in G-sharp minor, which requires an F double sharp in its harmonic form.

Variants and Related Words

• Sharp (n): A musical notation (♯) indicating a note should be raised by one semitone.
• Flat (n): A musical notation (♭) indicating a note should be lowered by one semitone.
• Double Flat (n): A musical notation (♭♭) indicating a note should be lowered by two semitones.
• Natural (n): A musical notation (♮) that cancels a previous sharp or flat.

Synonyms

• Raised by a whole tone: (Descriptive phrase, not a direct synonym)
• Two-semitone increase: (Descriptive phrase)

Related Phrases and Contexts

• "Cancel the double sharp": To return a note to its original pitch using a natural sign or another accidental.
  • In the next measure, you must cancel the double sharp with a natural sign.
• "Spelled with a double sharp": Refers to how a note is written in the score for theoretical correctness, even if it sounds like another note.
  • The leading tone is spelled as a double sharp to maintain the integrity of the scale.

Noun

1. a musical notation of two sharps in front of a note indicating that it is to be raised by two semitones