The trick: the black keys
Black keys come in groups of 2 and 3. C is always the white key just left of the group of 2 black keys. Then come D, E, F, G, A, B and C again.
C, D, E, F, G, A, B and the fingers
The numbers are right-hand fingers: 1 is the thumb, 5 the pinky. After E, the thumb passes under to play F.
| Note | |
|---|---|
| C | white key left of the 2 black keys · finger 1 |
| D | next white key · finger 2 |
| E | white key right of the 2 black keys · finger 3 |
| F | white key left of the 3 black keys · finger 1 (thumb passes under) |
| G | next white key · finger 2 |
| A | next white key · finger 3 |
| B | white key right of the 3 black keys · finger 4 |
| C | the next C · finger 5 |
What about the black keys?
Each black key is the sharp (♯) of the white key to its left or the flat (♭) of the one to its right. There is no black key between E and F or B and C, because they are already a half step apart.
Where is middle C?
Middle C (C4) is the C closest to the center of the keyboard, usually under the brand name. On a 61-key keyboard it's the 3rd C from the left; on an 88-key piano, the 4th.
Next step: reading piano sheet music and the pedals. For other instruments, see notes on each instrument.
🎹 Chords: chord notes chart · piano chords · guitar chord chart
Frequently asked questions
Where is C on the piano?
It's the white key just left of the group of two black keys. It repeats every 12 keys (7 white and 5 black).
How many keys does a piano have?
88: 52 white and 36 black. Practice keyboards usually have 61 or 76.
Which fingers do I use for the C major scale?
Right hand: 1 2 3 on C, D, E, thumb passes under, then 1 2 3 4 5 on F, G, A, B, C.