How to identify piano note names

Here is an easy way to memorize the names of the notes on the piano keyboard. There are only seven note names to memorize . . . then they are repeated over and over across the piano.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A piano, keyboard, or software/ computer keyboard facsimile.

1. 
   Notes in the C-D-E group

   LEARN THE C-D-E GROUP
   The black keys are the secret to finding your way around the piano. Find every group of 2 black notes. The 3 white notes that surround these are the note names C, D, and E. Play every C-D-E group on the piano several times. Soon it will become easy to find where those 3 notes are, and to remember their names!

2. 
   Notes in the F-G-A-B group

   FIND THE F-G-A-B GROUP
   Again, the black keys lead the way. Find every group of 3 black notes. The 4 white notes that surround these (going from left to right) are the notes F, G, A, and B. Play every F-G-A-B group on the piano several times. Yep, it gets easier to remember the note names of that group!

3. 
   CDE and FGAB groups combined

   PUT BOTH GROUPS TOGETHER
   Now play the C-D-E group followed immediately by the F-G-A-B group. Ta-DAH! Add another C note on top, and you've played the notes of the C scale, using all seven note names of the musical alphabet. Nice work!

4. BONUS: PLAY THEM BACKWARDS
   Once you get comfortable playing the CDE, FGAB groups moving from left to right, try doing it backwards, BAGF, EDC. :-)

Tips & Warnings

• You will find it easier to play the C scale notes (CDE,FGABC) if you use certain fingers. With your Right Hand (RH), fingers are numbered: 1-Thumb; 2-Pointer finger; 3-middle; 4-ring; 5-pinky. Use this fingering for best Results: C1,D2,E3 - then cross the thumb UNDER and continue: F1,G2,A3,B4,C5.
• If playing with the left hand, your fingerings are reversed: C5,D4,E3,F2,G1 - then 3 crossed OVER; A3,B2,C1.

Resources

• Suz Doyle Music web site
• Other articles by SuzDoyleMusic