Piano keys are divided into repeating groups of 12 notes, also known as a chromatic scale. Within each group, there are 7 white keys and 5 black keys.
Understanding the Division
The arrangement of white and black keys isn't random; it's designed to make playing and understanding music easier.
White Keys
The white keys represent the natural notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. These notes form the basis of most musical scales and chords.
Black Keys
The black keys represent sharps (#) and flats (♭) of the natural notes. They fill the gaps between the whole steps in a diatonic scale. They are arranged in groups of two and three, which helps pianists quickly orient themselves on the keyboard. For example, the C note is always directly to the left of a group of two black keys.
The Repeating Pattern
This 12-note pattern (7 white, 5 black) repeats across the entire keyboard. A standard 88-key piano contains just over seven octaves of this pattern.
Visual Representation
| Key Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| White | A, B, C, D, E, F, G |
| Black | A#/B♭, C#/D♭, D#/E♭, F#/G♭, G#/A♭ |
Why This Arrangement?
This arrangement is rooted in the history of music theory and the development of the diatonic and chromatic scales. It provides a logical and visually intuitive way to access all the notes within the Western musical system.
