Meaning of Natural Keys in Music
In music theory, **natural keys** refer to the set of notes that are not altered by key signatures or accidentals. A **natural** is an accidental symbol that cancels any previous key signatures or accidentals and represents the unaltered pitch of a note ).
Natural notes are the white keys on a piano or organ, specifically the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G ). These notes are neither lowered nor raised by other key signatures or accidentals. The scale of A minor or C major is sometimes regarded as the central, natural, or basic minor/major scale because all of its notes are natural notes ).
In contrast, **sharp notes** are notes that are raised by a half step, and **flat notes** are notes that are lowered by a half step. Sharp and flat notes can be changed back to natural notes using a natural sign.
The concept of natural keys is important in understanding key signatures, scales, and tonality in music.
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