The second version includes an E# and this is to avoid that F is included twice, which in some cases could confuse things. For example, in the chord C#13 the notes could be written either C# - F - G# - B - D# - F# - A# or C# - E# - G# - B - D# - F# - A#. However, B#, Cb, E# and Fb are sometimes used as an alternative reference to notes. Here are all the cases of sharps and flats being the 'same thing':ĭoes that mean that B#, Cb, E# and Fb doesn't exist? Concerning chords, yes. If you're still confused, just remember that D# and Eb is, practically speaking, the same thing. For example, in the key of B major D# is used, whereas Eb is used for the same note in the key of Ab major. The reason why two symbols are used for the same thing is that the musical context, in this case the key, change. D# and Eb is actually the same tone or chord (if read as chord symbols). Often confusing is the fact that b and # can occur in different chord names, but referring to identical chords. And accordingly, a D# is a D that is raised one semi-step (a whole step would made it to an E).

In other words, a Db is a D that is flattened one semi-step (a whole step would made it to a C). The flat means that a tone is flattened and the sharp means that a tone is raised. In chord names and in many other circumstances flats and sharps are written in the symbols # and b, respectively. It is not the same thing though, a C note is just a note, whereas a C chord includes a couple of notes with C as the root note. These are names of notes, or pitches, as well as name of chords, or part of chord names.

In music, we are using the letters C, D, E, F, G, A and B (in some countries H).

List of chords and their notes