Double Sharp

[kflutist]

So I've started playing various pieces that are in sharp keys and have recently run into a problem. I don't have a private teacher and keep forgetting to bring it up to my section leader at the legion band or my director at school... but anyway occasionally I run into the x sign for double sharp but when the key already has that note sharp I don't know if that means that the note is double sharp in addition to the sharp in the key or if it is just indicating that it is one half step up from what the note in that key would normally be. Example in the key of G having a double sharp F does that mean that it SOUNDS like a G or does it SOUND like an Ab?

[flutepicc06]

My understanding is that one instance in which the double sharp/flat is used is when something already affected by the key signature needs to be changed even further, so in the example you described, it would sound a G rather than an Ab. The first half step upwards has already been noted in the key signature, so they had to use a double sharp to raise the pitch another half step. However, I'm sure there are some exceptions out there, so in future, don't be afraid to compare your part to a score to see what fits best within the chord structure, or ask the director what they would prefer if either could work.

[joolz]

Yep, you play a G.

Joolz

[MrBaz]

Sharp = going up a half step
Double Sharp = going up 2 half steps = 1 full step

The opposite for Flats and Double Flats