Double sharp (𝄪)
An accidental that raises a note by two semitones, written as a cross sign or as two sharps before the note head.
Also called: double-sharp sign, double sharp sign
A double sharp raises a note by two semitones, a whole step, and is written as a cross-shaped sign (𝄪) or as two sharps (♯♯). It is used when a sharp would give the wrong letter name for a scale or chord. In G♯ minor the raised seventh degree is F𝄪, which sounds as G, a semitone below the tonic G♯. Writing it as G would leave the scale without an F. Double sharps are normally written as accidentals in the music, not in the key signature. Like other accidentals, a double sharp applies for the rest of the measure to notes of that pitch.
Related terms
- Double flat (𝄫)An accidental that lowers a note by two semitones, written as a double-flat sign or as two flats before the note head.
- Sharp (♯)An accidental that raises a note by one semitone, written as ♯ before the note head.
- AccidentalA sign before a note that raises or lowers its pitch by a semitone, or cancels an earlier sign, relative to the key signature.
- EnharmonicDescribes two notes or intervals that sound the same but are written differently, such as C♯ and D♭.