Which symbol is used to indicate a sharp note?

The symbol used to indicate a sharp note is the sharp sign (♯). In music notation, a sharp raises the pitch of a note by a half step or semitone. For example, if you take a note such as C and apply a sharp, it becomes C♯, which is a half step higher than C. This enhancement of the note’s pitch allows for more nuanced melodies and harmonies in musical compositions, expanding the range of expression available to the performer.

Understanding the use of this symbol is crucial for interpreting sheet music accurately, as it informs musicians about the specific pitches they should play or sing. The other options represent different modifications to pitch: the flat sign (♭) lowers a note by a half step, the natural sign (♮) restores a note to its original pitch after it has been altered, and the whole note is a type of note duration rather than a pitch alteration.