Lessons ยท Unit 9: Accidentals

The double flat, in bass clef

The double flat, ๐„ซ, lowers the natural note by two semitones: B comes out sounding like A, and D like C. It appears for the same reason as the double sharp: so that the letter fits the scale even when the key does not.

B double flat and A, in bass clef

This lesson is written in bass clef on purpose. Accidentals work the same on both staves โ€” the sign always goes in front of the note, at the same height โ€” but it is worth checking that you read them as quickly down here as up there.

Four accidentals in bass clef

That closes the accidentals: sharp, flat, natural and their doubles, on both staves.

Drill

The session goes on until every skill below is mastered: at least 10 answers, at most 40. Your progress carries over between sessions.

Master the previous lesson first: The double sharp