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How does a natural sign affect a previously sharpened or flattened note?

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In musical notation, a natural sign (♮) serves to cancel a previously indicated sharp (♯) or flat, restoring the note to its original, unaltered pitch.12

While accidentals typically remain in effect for the duration of the measure in which they appear, the natural sign acts as a direct countermand to any prior modification, ensuring the note returns to its natural state within the Western system of scales.12