|
 | Pitch notation is a system that labels each octave on the piano keyboard so that individual notes may be referenced quickly (e.g. C4). It comes in handy if you need to express a specific frequency but have no staff paper or instrument around; or if you're working with musicians whose instruments use different staves altogether. Here are the most common types of pitch notation: | |
German Pitch Notation
Called the "Helmholtz" system, this has been the most universal version for the longest period of time. Middle C may be written a few ways using this system, which can lead to some confusion:
| Scientific Pitch Notation
Put in place by the Acoustical Society of America in 1939, it's the most commonly used system in the U.S. (Middle C is C4):
| Solfege Pitch Notation
In many areas where Romance languages are spoken, each note is more commonly referred to with a 'word' instead of a letter. For example, "do re mi fa sol la" -- that's solfège! So, naturally, this variation of pitch notation looks a bit different from the others; learn more about it:
|
| |
| | Piano Ads
| | | | Featured Articles | |
| | | More from About.com | | | | | | Discover the Disney Dream
Disney's newest cruise ship has something for every family member, from the Aqua Duck watercoaster to adults-only lounges. More>
| | | | Cruise the Celebrity Eclipse
The Eclipse features luxurious interiors, a spa, and the "iLounge" where guests can check email and create their own photo books. More>
|
| | | | Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics | | | | You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Piano newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here.
About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy
Contact Information:
249 West 17th Street
New York, NY, 10011
© 2011 About.com | | | | |
Essentials: | |
Advertisement
 | |
No comments:
Post a Comment