5

Given C♭♭4, for example, is that enharmonic with B♭3 (because you start at C4 and flat it twice) or B♭4 (because octave number 4 means octave number 4)?

Asked another way, how do you write the note below in scientific pitch notation?

Staff showing C-Double-Flat on ledger line below treble clef staff

I'm just wondering from a theoretical perspective.

| improve this question | | | | |
9

Follow the note name. Add the accidentals later.

Begin by acknowledging that this pitch is some type of C4. Then add the accidentals to show that it's C♭♭4.

This is a little strange, because (as you say) C♭♭4 is lower than B3. But that's really no more odd than saying any C♭♭ is lower than its nearest B.

And the same is of course true going the other way: B♯3, despite being enharmonic to C4, is nevertheless identified in the "3" register.

| improve this answer | | | | |
  • 2
    Makes sense. Guess you don't really need double accidentals to have this question. – trw Jan 18 '19 at 19:15
  • 3
    I think it helps the question to have the two pitches sounding the same. If it's only C♭, it's still above B♭, so the question of "why is 4 higher than 3?" isn't as problematic. – Richard Jan 18 '19 at 19:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.