How to Play Middle C on the Piano

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Middle-C or C4 is very important in understanding music theory and playing almost any instrument. But how can we find middle-C on the keyboard of a piano (or almost any kind of musical keyboard like E-Pianos and Synthesizers)? This article will guide you through.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Standard Method

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll find they're organized in groups of twos and threes. That is, two black keys with one white key in between them, then, going right, two adjacent white keys, then three black keys with one white key between each one and the next, then again, two adjacent white keys, and the pattern repeats again.
  2. Find the group of five black keys right in the middle of the keyboard (or at least, the group that is almost in the middle for smaller keyboards). [1]
    • The five keys must be ordered as two keys group then three keys group, not the other way around.
    Advertisement
  3. [2]
  4. Middle-C will be the white key immediately below (to the left of) the first black key of the two keys you found in the previous step. [3]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Counting Method

PDF download Download Article
    • Usually, manufacturers create keyboards with standard keys count starting at 88 keys (the grand piano has 88 keys), 76 keys, 61 keys, 49 keys, 24 keys and finally, sometimes even 12 keys [4]
  2. According to the number of keys in your piano, count the following number of white keys going from the left-most side of the piano in the right direction: [5]
    • 88 Keys : 23 keys (Middle-C is the 24th white key)
      • You can also find the group of five black keys easier as the fourth group of 5 black keys, then use the method above.
    • 76 Keys : 19 keys (Middle-C is the 20th white key)
      • The third group of 5 black keys (there usually is a group of three black keys at the left side at first, don't count those)
    • 61 Keys : 14 keys (Middle-C is the 15 th white key)
      • The third group of five black keys.
    • 49 Keys : 14 keys (Middle-C is the 15 th white key)
      • The third group of five black keys.
    • 24 Keys , 25 Keys : 7 keys (Middle-C is the 8 th white key)
      • Second group of 5 black keys
    • Other non standard sizes : use the standard method mentioned earlier in this article
    3. Advertisement

Video

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I have 85 keys on my piano. Where is Middle C?
    Hale y Mail
    Community Answer
    Counting left to right, it's the 24th white key. Pianos with 85 keys are older than pianos with 88 keys and miss three keys on the right end of the piano (Bb7, B7, C8).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Where is middle C on a music staff?
    IncredibleGuinevere
    Community Answer
    MIddle C is the note below the D under the staff for treble clef. The note has a line going through it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Where is "middle C"?
    Community Answer
    C can be found immediately to the right of the groupings of two black keys. If you place your fingers at either end of the keyboard and work your way, one at a time, to the middle, your fingers will meet at F; the next-lowest C is middle C.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • It is better to use the standard method. The counting method is just mentioned as a last resort alternative for those who just want to find Middle-C.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
      • Look for the company's name on the piano. It should be right above the keys. Middle C should be right below the first letter of the company's name, or at least close to it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Piano Hand Placement: Proper Finger Position, Exercises & More
      How to
      Play "Jingle Bells" on the Piano
      How to
      Learn to Play the Piano
      How to
      Learn Keyboard Notes
      How to
      Learn to Read Piano Music
      How to
      Learn Piano Notes and Proper Finger Placement, with Sharps and Flats
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about musical notes, check out our in-depth interview with Melissa McDermott .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACJjSRqveqM
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCIEcgRnMZc
      3. ↑ https://pianobynumber.com/blogs/readingroom/helping-your-child-find-middle-c
      4. ↑ http://www.piano-keyboard-guide.com/piano-keyboard-diagram.html
      5. ↑ http://www.piano-keyboard-guide.com/middle-c.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 123,348 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Komaravolu Rao

        May 11, 2016

        "Very nicely placed. I have become a tutor myself and enjoyed learning."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement