How to Read Piano Notes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners | Piano Keys Labeled

When you look at a piano, you’ll notice a pattern of white and black keys. These keys are the building blocks of music and are organized in repeating groups. Let’s break it down step by step so you can confidently identify each key on the piano.

White Keys: The Natural Notes

(Figure 1.1)

The first white key, located just to the left of the group of two black keys, is called C (see Figure 1.2). From there, the white keys follow a simple sequence:

C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

(Figure 1.2)

Once you reach B, the sequence starts over with another C, continuing across the keyboard:

C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E, F...

For clarity, we often refer to higher or lower octaves as follows (explained in detail later in the article):

• C, D, E, F, G, A, B (middle range)
• C+, D+, E+, F+, G+, A+, B+ (higher octaves)
• C-, D-, E-, F-, G-, A-, B- (lower octaves)

These letters are called naturals because they represent the "natural" tones on the keyboard.

Black Keys: Sharps and Flats

(Figure 1.3)

Each group of black keys alternates between sets of two and three keys. The black keys represent sharps (#) and flats (b) and are named relative to the white keys next to them:

1. The black key AFTER C is called C# (C-sharp).
2. Similarly, the black key AFTER D is D# (D-sharp).

This pattern continues across the keyboard for all black keys. (See Figure 1.3 for reference.)

However, black keys can also be named as flats, based on the white key before them: 

1. The black key BEFORE D is Db (D-flat).
2. The black key BEFORE E is Eb (E-flat).

Interestingly, sharps and flats are en-harmonic equivalents, meaning they refer to the same key but in different contexts. For example:

• C# = Db
•  D# = Eb
•  F# = Gb
•  G# = Ab
•  A# = Bb

How they will be written depends on the scale of the song. To learn more about each scale on piano read this article: Every Scale on Piano

Octaves and Their Notation

(Figure 1.4)

An octave is a set of eight consecutive notes, from one C to the next. The keyboard contains multiple octaves, each with the same repeating pattern of white and black keys. To differentiate between octaves, we use these notations:

1. C, D, E, F, G, A, B: Middle range (commonly referred to as "Middle C" and its neighbours).
2. C+, D+, E+, F+, G+, A+, B+: Higher octave.
3. C-, D-, E-, F-, G-, A-, B-: Lower octave.

For example, if you need to distinguish between a lower C and a higher C, you’d refer to them as C- and C+, respectively. This system helps when playing pieces that span a wide range of pitches.

This logic also applies for Sharp and Flats. For higher octave: C#+D#+F#+G#+A#+ and Db-Eb- Gb-Ab-Bb- for lower octave.

(Refer to Figures 1.4 for detailed diagrams.)

Numbered Notes in Practice

In many applications in mobile phones or in other softwares, the notes are also identified using numbers instead of + and - symbols. 

(figure 1.5)

 

For 88 keys keyboards middle C is denoted as C4 and higher octaves (C+) as C5. Similarly lower octaves C- as C3. (refer to 1.5 diagram)

On smaller keyboards (e.g., 61-key models), Middle C is often labeled as C3 instead of C4, so check your instrument or app settings to align with the correct notation.

Here are the examples of numbered notations:

• Lowest C = C0
• Middle C = C4
• Higher C = C5
• Lowest A# = A#0
• Middle Bb = Bb4
  

Final Notes

Now that you’ve learned to identify both the white and black keys on the piano, you’re ready to dive into playing! Understanding this foundation is crucial for learning melodies, scales, and chords. With practice, you’ll soon be navigating the keyboard effortlessly.

Got questions or need clarification? Drop a comment below!