Learn the order of the white keys by finding C. The first note in a scale is the C note. The order of the scale is C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, with the same pattern repeating after B. You can find the C key on a keyboard by looking for any pair of black keys that are surrounded on both sides by two white keys instead of one. C is always the key immediately to the left of the black key on the left side of that pair.
Note the pattern of white keys: three white keys enclosing two black keys, and four white keys enclosing three black keys.
C is the white key on the left of the two enclosed black keys.
Note the pattern of white keys: three white keys enclosing two black keys, and four white keys enclosing three black keys.
C is the white key on the left of the two enclosed black keys.
- This pattern is consistent on all keyboards. Every note on the keyboard is represented in this single 12-note octave, which is the term for an interval of notes that appear in the same order.
- Different octaves are higher or lower in pitch depending on where they are positioned in reference to the middle octave.
Get familiar with the black keys by finding C♯/D♭. Each black key has two possible notes based on the context of the music that you’re playing. For example, C sharp (C♯) and D flat (D♭) are the same key on the piano.
The black keys often play an integral role in most compositions, so it will help to remember their order by starting directly above the white C note in the middle, which is C♯ or D♭.
Black Key Labels
The 1st black key in the group is C♯ or D♭.
The 2nd black key in the group is D♯ or E♭.
The 3rd black key in the group is F♯ or G♭.
The 4th black key in the group is G♯ or A♭.
The 5th black key in the group is A♯ or B♭.
The black keys often play an integral role in most compositions, so it will help to remember their order by starting directly above the white C note in the middle, which is C♯ or D♭.
Black Key Labels
The 1st black key in the group is C♯ or D♭.
The 2nd black key in the group is D♯ or E♭.
The 3rd black key in the group is F♯ or G♭.
The 4th black key in the group is G♯ or A♭.
The 5th black key in the group is A♯ or B♭.
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