Natural

Definition

In music, the term 'natural' refers to a note that is played at its original pitch without any alterations such as sharps or flats. It serves as a symbol that cancels any previous accidental and restores the note to its standard position on the staff. Understanding this term is crucial for reading and interpreting musical notation accurately.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The natural sign is represented by an upright rectangle (♮) and is essential for clarifying musical notation.
2. When a natural sign appears before a note, it cancels any preceding sharps or flats that apply to that note within the same measure.
3. Natural notes are the white keys on a piano keyboard, contrasting with sharp and flat notes which correspond to the black keys.
4. In the context of scales, the natural minor scale differs from the harmonic and melodic minor scales by maintaining specific intervals without alteration.
5. Composers often use naturals to create specific tonal effects and to ensure musicians play the intended pitches as originally notated.

Review Questions

• How does the natural sign function within musical notation, and why is it important for musicians?
  • The natural sign functions as a way to cancel any sharps or flats previously applied to a note, restoring it to its original pitch. This is crucial for musicians because it helps them accurately interpret the composer’s intentions and play the correct notes during performance. Without understanding how naturals operate, musicians could easily misplay passages and disrupt the intended harmony of a piece.
• Compare and contrast natural notes with sharp and flat notes in terms of their representation in musical notation and their impact on performance.
  • Natural notes are represented by their basic letter names without any alterations, while sharp notes are indicated by a sharp symbol (♯) that raises their pitch by a half step, and flat notes are marked with a flat symbol (♭) that lowers their pitch by a half step. This distinction affects performance since musicians must be aware of these alterations to play music correctly. Natural notes contribute to maintaining the piece’s tonal center, whereas sharps and flats create tension or resolution depending on their usage.
• Evaluate the significance of the natural sign in relation to musical scales and key signatures.
  • The natural sign plays a vital role in defining musical scales and key signatures by ensuring that notes are played at their intended pitches. In scales like the natural minor, naturals help maintain specific intervals essential for characterizing the scale's sound. Additionally, in key signatures where certain notes might be raised or lowered consistently, naturals provide clarity whenever those notes occur outside their typical alterations. This clarity is necessary for composers and performers alike to communicate effectively through written music.

Related terms

Sharp: A symbol used in music notation that raises a pitch by a half step, indicating that the note should be played one semitone higher than its natural pitch.

Flat:

A symbol used in music notation that lowers a pitch by a half step, indicating that the note should be played one semitone lower than its natural pitch.

Accidental: A symbol, such as sharp, flat, or natural, that alters the pitch of a note from its original state within a piece of music.