If a note has a sharp or flat sign before it in the treble clef, does that mean that you also sharp/flat corresponding bass notes? Very specifically, I am playing (from Alfred's all in one) Good People, a jazz tune. In the first measure the B notes are flat (accidentals)in the treble clef. There is also a B in that same measure in the bass clef. Would I play it as B or B flat? Playing it as B (along with a C in the treble clef) sounds awful.

Listen to the voice of the bass notes and it will probably give you your answer.

Here is description I found interesting:

" Accidentals apply within the measure and octave in which they appear, unless canceled by another accidental sign, or tied into a following measure."


Does this mean- in the treble cleff (same measure)you have a C5# and a C6. Would the C6 be considered part of the octave, thereby sharp. What about a C7?

Accidentals only apply where they are specifically applied - the answer is no - technically you play the B on the bass staff, not B flat.

However, if it sounds better played as B flat then play it that way. You have to please yourself above all.

And it may just be an editorial oversight - maybe it should be B flat and they forgot.

JF

There are two conventions. In some older music an accidental is considered to apply to both staffs. In other music it is considered to apply only to the staff in which it appears. I understand that you should use common sense - i.e. if it sounds off and isn't logical then that gives you a hint on what it should be.

Thank you to everyone who replied. I have been working on the song this afternoon and decided to play it as a B flat. It does sound much better that way.

Are the B flats in the first measure to indicate the Key Signature of F Major?

No, the song is written in G Major.