The C Note
C is a white key on the piano. It sounds at 261.63 Hz in octave 4.
C on the piano
Key facts
- On the keyboard
- a white key on the piano.
- Frequency (octave 4)
- 261.63 Hz
- MIDI number (octave 4)
- 60
- Also written as
- B♯
- In key signatures
- Never appears as an accidental in a key signature.
C and its enharmonic spellings
C can also be written as B♯. These are enharmonic equivalents: the same pitch, the same key on the piano, a different name on the page. Which spelling is correct depends on the key and on how the note functions, not on the sound.
C frequency in every octave
Frequencies for C in scientific pitch notation, with A4 tuned to 440 Hz.
| Note | MIDI | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | 24 | 32.7 Hz |
| C2 | 36 | 65.41 Hz |
| C3 | 48 | 130.81 Hz |
| C4 | 60 | 261.63 Hz |
| C5 | 72 | 523.25 Hz |
| C6 | 84 | 1046.5 Hz |
| C7 | 96 | 2093 Hz |
Chords on C
The most common chords built with C as the root.
Scales starting on C
Keys and scales that use C as their tonic.
All notes
Veelgestelde vragen
Where is C on the piano?
C is a white key on the piano.
What frequency is C4?
C4 sounds at 261.63 Hz with A4 tuned to 440 Hz.
What is another name for C?
C can also be written as B♯. They are the same pitch spelled differently.
