Learn Piano Notes

Before we can learn how to play scales, chords, and various progressions, it is vital that we learn the notes on the piano and how they relate to one another.

The best way to describe the notes on the piano is by comparing them to the notes of the alphabet. In fact, the notes of the piano actually borrow the first seven notes of the alphabet system (A – B – C – D – E – F – G). Each note differs in sound. Below are all seven notes of the piano:

Here is a wider example of the notes of the piano:

Notice that the same seven notes repeat themselves over and over again. That is, the notes sound the same but the pitches differ. For example, if you play a C and move to the right until you find the next C, you’l notice that if you play them simultaneously, both notes sound the same but one is higher than the other…

The notes above are said to be one octave (interval of an eighth) apart. You’ll learn more about octaves in further lessons.

The note ‘C’ is to the piano what the letter ‘A’ is to the alphabet. Middle C marks the center of the piano. As you’ll notice, the C Major Scale is also the easiest and simplest scale of the twelve. It consists of all white keys from any starting C to the next. The shaded notes below represent the C Major Scale.

Here is a useful tip if you are having trouble memorizing the notes of the piano…

C is located directly to the bottom-left of the two-grouped black keys while F is located directly to the bottom-left of the three-grouped black keys.

Time after time, I have come across pianists who cannot read music well and rely on memorization to save them. Do you admire pianists who can just pick up any piece of sheet music and play without stumbling? If you want to take your sight reading to the next level then check out the piano course "Mastering The Art Of Piano Sight Reading!"