A double sharp (𝄪, written like an x) raises a note by two semitones, two keys to the right.
It looks exotic and is really just bookkeeping: in a key that already sharpens F, raising F again has to be written as F double sharp rather than G, because the letter name matters to the key's spelling.
How to spot it
A small x immediately before a note head. It is uncommon and almost always appears in sharp keys.
Find it in thirty seconds
Find one, work out which key it lands on, then say the letter name out loud. F𝄪 is the G key, but it is called F double sharp.
Open any piece of sheet music on this site and do it now. Reading is a recognition skill, and recognition is built by finding things, not by reading about them.
Related Topics...
How to Read Sheet Music: Learn how to read sheet music using interactive lessons from Chordzy. Or browse our various reading music topics.
Music Notation Glossary: Every symbol on a page of piano music, explained in one sentence each, clefs, note values, rests, accidentals, dynamics and repeat marks.
Accidental: Accidental in piano music. An accidental is any sharp, flat or natural written in front of a note, changing its pitch for the rest of that measure.
Double Flat: Double Flat in piano music. A double flat (♭♭) lowers a note by two semitones, two keys to the left.
Sharp: Sharp in piano music. A sharp (♯) raises a note by one semitone, the very next key to the right, black or white.
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