Topmusicanswers
Simply put black keys have nothing in particular to do with enharmonic equivalents. Enharmonic equivalent is just when two notes with different names represent the same pitch.
- Do enharmonic notes occur only where black keys are?
- Can only black keys on piano have enharmonic equivalents?
- Which keys are enharmonic?
- How many key signatures are enharmonic?
Do enharmonic notes occur only where black keys are?
1.5 Enharmonic Notes
This occurs with all the black keys on the piano ( C = D , D = E , F = G , G = A , A = B ). When two notes sound the same but are written as two different notes on the staff, the written notes are said to be enharmonic .
Can only black keys on piano have enharmonic equivalents?
With this in mind we can see that the notes D-sharp and E-flat are enharmonic equivalents. This is in fact true for all of the black keys on a piano. However it is important to know that it's not only the black keys which can have enharmonic equivalents. Sometimes certain enharmonic equivalents are not as obvious.
Which keys are enharmonic?
The enharmonic keys are six pairs, three major pairs and three minor pairs: B major/C♭ major, G♯ minor/A♭ minor, F♯ major/G♭ major, D♯ minor/E♭ minor, C♯ major/D♭ major and A♯ minor/B♭ minor.
How many key signatures are enharmonic?
In practice, notes and scales rarely go by more than two names, and there are only six key signatures with enharmonic equivalents (see table below).
