SoundsField recordingsFrequenciesDecibelsInstrumentsGlossaryToolsLearn
  1. Home
  2. Glossary
  3. Tuning & pitch
  4. Enharmonic equivalence: Definition & Explanation
Tuning & pitch

Enharmonic equivalence

What is enharmonic equivalence? A clear definition from the tuning & pitch section of our glossary, with 12 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Enharmonic equivalence

In music, two written notes have enharmonic equivalence if they produce the same pitch but are notated differently. Similarly, written intervals, chords, or key signatures are considered enharmonic if they represent identical pitches that are notated differently. The term derives from Latin enharmonicus, in turn from Late Latin enarmonius, from Ancient Greek ἐναρμόνιος (enarmónios), from ἐν ('in') and ἁρμονία ('harmony').

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

What is Enharmonic equivalence?

In music, two written notes have enharmonic equivalence if they produce the same pitch but are notated differently. Similarly, written intervals, chords, or key signatures are considered enharmonic if they represent identical pitches that are notated…

Sources & credits