Black piano keys are labeled as sharps or flats, relating to the white keys nearest to them. According to the reference material, "The black keys are referred to as sharp (#) or flat (b) notes and are labeled to the white key immediately to the left or right."
Here's a breakdown:
Understanding Sharps and Flats
- Sharps (#): A sharp raises the pitch of a note by a half step. A black key can be labeled as the sharp of the white key immediately to its left.
- Flats (b): A flat lowers the pitch of a note by a half step. A black key can also be labeled as the flat of the white key immediately to its right.
Examples
Let's illustrate with examples:
| Black Key Position (Between White Keys) | Sharp Name (Based on left white key) | Flat Name (Based on right white key) |
|---|---|---|
| Between C and D | C# | Db |
| Between D and E | D# | Eb |
| Between F and G | F# | Gb |
| Between G and A | G# | Ab |
| Between A and B | A# | Bb |
Key Takeaways
- Each black key has two possible names (a sharp and a flat).
- The specific name used depends on the musical context (the key signature of the piece).
- Understanding the layout of the white keys (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G), which are referred to as natural notes, is fundamental to labeling the black keys.
