Building Blocks - Getting to Know the Keyboard

Semitone

The shortest possible distance between two notes on a piano.

Tone

A distance of two semitones

Octave

12 semitones. The distance you travel to reach the closest note that is the 'same' note but higher or lower.

Note names

The keyboard is made up of repeating sets of 12 notes. The 7 white notes are given the letter names A, B, C, D, E, F, G

The 12 notes are shown highlighted here with 'A' on the left

Sharps

If the word 'sharp' (or symbol '#') is added to a note name, it means the note one semitone above the note named. For example C#

Flats

If the word 'flat' (or symbol '♭') is added to a note name, it means the note one semitone below the note named. For example B♭

Next - Scales 1