Each sound has a certain frequency of vibration, which is called pitch.
Example: the sound A has a frequency of 440 Hz
It is logically convenient for us to divide sounds into groups by height, each of which begins with a sound 2 times higher (or lower) than the original one. Each such group is called an octave.
The note A an octave higher has a frequency of 880 Hz, and an octave lower has a frequency of 220 Hz.
Construction of the scale, names of notes and alteration signs
Each octave is divided into 12 pitch intervals.
Each such interval is called a halftone. Two halftones make up a whole tone.
Each fret on the guitar fretboard changes the pitch of the sound by a halftone.
White keys (and their corresponding notes in musical notation) have their own names and letter symbols.
Names of Notes | Letters |
Do | C |
Re | D |
Mi | E |
Fa | F |
Sol | G |
La | A |
Si | B |
Black keys (and their corresponding notes in notation) are indicated by the name of the adjacent note and an alteration sign.
Example: the black key to the right of G is called G sharp
Alteration Signs
Alteration sign | Name | Action |
♯ | sharp | raises pitch by halftone |
𝄪 | double sharp | raises pitch by whole tone |
♭ | flat | lowers pitch by halftone |
𝄫 | double flat | lowers pitch by whole tone |
♮ | natural | cancels the effect of the previous alteration sign |
The same sound can be designated both as raised from the one next to it below and as lowered from the one next to it above. Example: F-sharp (raised F) and G-flat (lowered G) actually the same sound.
Alteration signs on the staff are written before the note, but when written in letters, and also when pronounced, they come after. Example: first notes on the next three staffs are: C sharp (C♯), C flat (C♭), C natural (C♮).
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