These marks often determine a note’s duration and expression. Articulation Marks 𝄐 Articulation Marks in music: name and symbolsĪrticulation marks determine how a single note or phrase in a musical staff should be played. Semitones are also known as half-step or half-tone. This often appears when the note is already sharp in the key signature. This is typically used when the note is already flat in the key signature.

Flat: The note has a one-semitone lower pitch than its natural form.The sharp (♯), flat (♭), and natural (♮) are the most common markers for these notes. They alter the pitch of the note they precede by a specific amount. Accidentals ♯ Accidentals in music: name and symbolsĪccidentals are notes of a pitch that aren’t the official member of the scale indicated by the key signature.