Enharmonic Spelling
One pitch, several names — C sharp and D flat on the same key
Related
Enharmonic spelling means writing the same key or pitch with different note names: C♯ and D♭, F♯ and G♭, B and C♭.
Spelling is not arbitrary; it follows key and harmonic function. D major writes its leading note as C♯, A♭ major writes its subdominant as D♭, and respelling a chord can change its degree and tendency. String and wind players may also adjust intonation according to the spelling.
Saying enharmonic notes are the same note is a common mistake. On an equal-tempered keyboard they sound alike, but notation, analysis and performance are not equivalent, and enharmonic respelling often bridges a modulation.
Sources
- 等音关系与拼写的调性依据，参 The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, "Enharmonic"；本文为原创表述
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.