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D-sharp (D#) is the note D raised by one semitone using a sharp (#). On the piano, it is the black key immediately to the right of D.
What is D-sharp?
D-sharp is an example of enharmonic equivalence. In the equal temperament tuning system, it sounds exactly the same as E-flat (E♭), even though the two note names are used in different musical contexts.
D-sharp appears naturally in keys such as E major, B major and C-sharp minor. Whether a note is written as D-sharp or E-flat depends on the key signature and its harmonic function.
How is D-sharp used in piano playing?
D-sharp is a common black key that appears in many scales, chords and arpeggios. Learning to recognize D-sharp quickly helps pianists become more comfortable playing in sharp keys.
Understanding the relationship between D-sharp and E-flat also strengthens your knowledge of key signatures, harmony and musical notation.