Is there a difference between C# and Db, or F# and Gb, etc. ?
Answers
Explanation:
This is a complex question. The answer to this would depend on whether or not you're talking chromatic semitone or diatonic semitone.
Starting at the middle C, consider the next note, D. In terms of true sequencing, it would be C, C#, Db, and D. As such, C# is slightly higher than Db. In the same way, the Gb will occur before F#.
This is also a function of tuning. If you use perfect intervals and assume A is at 440Hz, you get Gb = 366.25 Hz while F# = 371.25 Hz, which are not the same.
On the piano, which is a "discrete" instrument, they are the same key, but would be tuned to either the Gb or the F#, depending on the piece of music being performed. But on a continuous instrument such as the violin, there is a minor (ha!) difference.
Essentially, even though they are for all intents and purposes similar notes, they are not the same note.