Which symbol cancels a sharp or flat?

Which symbol cancels a sharp or flat?

• A. Natural
• B. Flat
• C. Sharp
• D. Double Flat

Answer: (A)

In music notation, accidentals modify a note's pitch for the measure, and the natural sign resets it to the unaltered, natural pitch of that note. The natural sign cancels any prior sharp or flat (or even a key-signature effect) so the note sounds as it would without any accidental. For example, if the key signature raises F to F sharp, placing a natural on F returns it to F natural. The same idea applies to a note that’s been flattened by the key signature or by an accidental elsewhere in the measure. The other symbols would not cancel; a flat lowers the pitch further, a sharp raises it, and a double flat lowers by two semitones, so they don’t restore the natural pitch.

In music notation, accidentals modify a note's pitch for the measure, and the natural sign resets it to the unaltered, natural pitch of that note. The natural sign cancels any prior sharp or flat (or even a key-signature effect) so the note sounds as it would without any accidental. For example, if the key signature raises F to F sharp, placing a natural on F returns it to F natural. The same idea applies to a note that’s been flattened by the key signature or by an accidental elsewhere in the measure. The other symbols would not cancel; a flat lowers the pitch further, a sharp raises it, and a double flat lowers by two semitones, so they don’t restore the natural pitch.