This sequence from 1 to 12 that is

C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B

is called Chromatic Scale in Western Music.

Everyone should remember it as no Instrument can be possible to play freely if it is not made on the base of Chromatic Scale. All kind of instruments all over the world are based on Chromatic Scale only.

C, D, E, F, G, A, B are called Natural Notes in Western Music & Shuddha Swaras in Indian Classical Music and also called White 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 respectively.

C#/Db, D#/Eb, F#/Gb, G#/Ab, A#/Bb are called modified Notes in Western Music and Tivra Swar (only for Ma/ F#) or Komal Swaras in Indian Classical Music and also called Black 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 respectively.

White & Black words are being used as language of Music in India came from white keys & black keys of Keyboard, Harmonium or Piano.

It is being used majorly while performing on the stage for co-ordinations by showing some gesture to Co-Artist.

For white 1, people touch cheek and show 1 finger for C scale or for Black 1, people touch hairs and show 1 finger for C#/ Db scale on stage from distance place to other artists.

Important Notes

# = Shap (Tivra)

b = Flat (Komal)

F# (Ma Tivra) is the only Sharp note in Indian Classical Music but in Western,

•  No Sharp for E & B notes 
•  No Flats for C & F notes 

However, sometimes in western Music, there are use of E#, B# & Cb, Fb in some cases. But in Indian Classical, there strickly prohibited Ga or Ni as Tivra and Sa or Ma as Komal.

This all the things are really important to remember while playing or learning Music.

So,

# = (+0.5) (Addition of ½ in Some notes)

B= (-0.5) (Subtraction of ½ in Some notes)

Examples :

C + 0.5 = C#

D - 0.5 = Db

That's why we can say C# = Db

And so D# = Eb, F# = Gb and so on.

But there is no E# or B# & Cb or Fb generally.

Remember this strickly if you want to be good at Music. It is very useful for progress your Music Skills. 

Written by Radhe

(Music Teacher at The Dreamzzz in Surat, Gujarat)