The Fundamental Notes
A standard piano features 88 keys, encompassing seven full octaves plus a minor third. The notes on a piano are the 12 pitches in the chromatic scale: A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, and G#/Ab. These notes repeat across octaves, with natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) on white keys and sharps/flats on black keys.
Keyboard Layout and Components
The piano keyboard alternates groups of two and three black keys, which represent the sharps and flats. White keys produce the natural notes, while black keys fill in the semitones between them. Each octave spans from C to the next C, covering eight white keys and five black keys, creating a repeating pattern that allows musicians to navigate the instrument intuitively.
Practical Example: Locating Notes
To find the notes, start with Middle C, the C in the center of the keyboard near the brand logo on most pianos. Moving right, the white keys are C, D, E, F, G, A, B, then the next C. The black keys between them are C#/Db (between C and D), D#/Eb (between D and E), and so on. For instance, playing the scale of C major uses only the white keys: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C.
Importance in Music
Understanding piano notes is essential for music education, as it forms the basis for reading sheet music, composing, and performing across genres. This knowledge enables musicians to transpose pieces, improvise, and appreciate harmony, making the piano a foundational instrument for learning theory and ear training in both classical and contemporary contexts.