O/T: Enharmonic question

[Hector Pascal]

Hi all,

Key of C Major, Chord V:

Melody: G G# A A# B Bb A Ab G (i.e.: sharps on the way up, flats on the way down)

Does the use of the accidentals look right to you?
Cheers,
Hector.

[Peter Thomsen]

In this case there are two options, both of which are fine:

1) The accidentals are fine as they are, since they follow the {road sign} rule:
sharps on the way up, flats on the way down

2) Another option:
G Ab A Bb B Bb A Ab G
In this case the accidentals follow another rule:
notate the intervals “as they sound” according to the tonal context.

[Hector Pascal]

Thanks, Peter. I always find myself pondering over this one! I'll choose an option and try to be consistent with it.

[zuill]

I usually opt for the method that uses the least number of accidentals. There are exceptions, of course. I choose sharps going up, flats going down.

Zuill

[Peter Thomsen]

… the least number of accidentals …

Musicians think in keys when they read music.

If you notate the accidentals with the “least number of accidentals”, or with “the least number of enharmonic changes”, you will often find that you have notated an entire passage in one key.

[zuill]

I did mention exceptions. So I have a 2 stage approach. If I have an Ab minor chord, then I us Cb, of course. B natural would be inappropriate. Harmonic content is important.

Zuill