MIDI keyboard with black and white keys.

Intro to Sharps and Flats: MIDI Keyboard and Melody Tutorial | FL Studio

This article is all about sharps and flats on your MIDI keyboard, which are basically the black keys. We'll go over what they are, why they're important for making music, and how to use them in your melodies and chords. We'll also look at some song examples to show how sharps and flats can make your music sound better.

Understanding Sharps and Flats

When you look at a piano or MIDI keyboard, you'll see white keys and black keys. The white keys are your natural notes, like C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. An octave is when you go from one note, like C, all the way up to the next C.

A sharp is a semitone, or half step, up from a natural note. Think of it like adding 0.5 to a note's value. So, if you're on C, the black key right next to it to the right is C sharp. If you move to the right, it's a sharp:

  • C to C sharp
  • D to D sharp
  • F to F sharp
  • G to G sharp
  • A to A sharp

A flat is the opposite; it's a semitone, or half step, down from a natural note. So, if you're on B, the black key to its left is B flat. It's important to know that some sharps and flats are the same note, just called by different names. For example, D sharp and E flat are the same sound.

Key Takeaways

  • Sharps move up a half step.
  • Flats move down a half step.
  • Some sharps and flats are the same note.

Why Use Sharps and Flats?

Using sharps and flats, or the black keys, adds a lot of "sauce" to your music. They can make your melodies and chords sound richer and more interesting. If you only use the white keys, your music might sound a bit plain. Adding in those black keys can give your tracks more depth and feeling.

The Importance of the Bass Note

When you're making music, especially melodies, always keep the bass note in mind. This is usually the lowest note in your melody or chord. You need to make sure your bass note works well with your drums. If your melody starts with a low note, that's probably your bass note, and it's what you'll want to match with your drum patterns. This is a good general rule to follow for making your beats sound cohesive.

Examples in Music

Let's look at how sharps and flats are used in real songs. Many popular songs use them to create their unique sounds. For instance, some songs use chords that include sharps and flats, making the harmony more complex and engaging. Other songs might have melodies that weave in and out of natural keys, sharps, and flats, creating a more dynamic and memorable tune.

One example is a melody that uses sharps along with natural keys. You might see a chord where one of the notes is a sharp, which changes the whole feel of the chord. Another example could be a melody that isn't based on chords but still uses sharps and flats to create its distinct sound. These elements are what make many songs catchy and enjoyable.

Using sharps and flats is a simple way to make your music more exciting. Don't be afraid to experiment with the black keys on your MIDI keyboard. They can add a lot of character to your melodies and chords, helping you create unique and professional-sounding tracks.

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