LESSON ELEVEN

Sharp Signs

This is a sharp sign. A sharp sign raises the pitch of the note to which it applies by one semitone. Thus the note F# is one semitone higher than F.

When a sharp note is written on the staff, the sharp sign is placed before the note.

The Note F Sharp (F#)

Here is an example which makes use of the note F#

Tone Development

One of the most important aspects of learning to play any brass or wind instrument is the development of a strong, consistent tone. You can often tell the difference between a good player and an average player by hearing them play a slow simple melody and listening to their tone.

A good player can really make their instrument sing and make a simple melody sound very moving. As you play the following example, imagine you are singing the melody through your instrument and pay particular attention to your tone. Try playing it at various dynamic levels (volumes).

If you have trouble maintaining a strong, even tone at all volumes, go back and work on the breathing exercises at the end of lesson 5. Work on tone building for short periods at a time with plenty of rest between exercises. In time you will notice a marked improvement in the consistency of your tone.

In lesson 9 you were introduced to key signatures. A key signature may contain either sharps or flats written after the clef, or in the case of the key of C major no sharps or flats. One sharp (F# ) written after the treble clef indicates the key of G major. The F# written in the key signature applies to all F notes in the piece.

The Natural Sign

This is a natural sign. A natural sign cancels the effect of a sharp or flat for the rest of that bar, or until another sharp or flat sign occurs within that bar. Notice the alternation between F natural (F@ ) and F# in the following example.

Now try this 12 Bar Blues solo which makes use of sharp, flat and natural signs. Breath marks are only shown every four bars here, but take a quick extra breath every two bars if you need to.