A Beginner's Guide to Piano Notes
Starting the journey to learn piano is exciting. But before diving in, it's essential to understand the language it speaks: sheet music. For piano, this means reading notes in both treble and bass clefs and understanding some music terms.
Staff: A definition
A staff refers to a group of five horizontal lines used in musical notation. At the beginning of staves, often sit clefs.
The Treble Clef: A definition
The treble clef, also known as the G clef, is your guide to the upper registers of the piano. On a piano, the right hand usually plays these higher-pitched notes (above Middle C). Each line and space on the treble clef represents a different note.
The Treble Clef: How to remember the notes
The bottom-most line on the staff with a treble clef on it, is an E. You can remember all the notes in the treble register by remembering, "Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit". The notes on all the lines, from bottom to top, read: E, G, B, D, F.
If you look at the spaces, from bottom to top, just think, "FACE". The notes in all the spaces, from bottom to top, read: F, A, C, E.
The Bass Clef: A definition
The bass clef, also known as the F clef, is your guide to the lower registers of the piano. On a piano, the left hand usually plays these lower-pitched notes. These are notes are typically below Middle C. Each line and space on the bass clef represents a different note.
The Bass Clef: How to remember the notes
The bottom-most line on the staff with a bass clef on it, is an G. You can remember all the notes in the bass register by remembering, "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge Always". The notes on all the lines, from bottom to top, read: E, G, B, D, F, A.
If you look at the spaces, from bottom to top, just think, "All Cows Eat Grass". The notes in all the spaces, from bottom to top, read: A, C, E, G.
Leger Lines: A definition
Leger lines are short, horizontal lines added above or below the staff in sheet music. They extend the range of the staff to represent notes beyond the 5 lines of the staff.
A Grand Staff: A definition
A grand staff refers to a pair of staves connected by a brace (a vertical, squiggly line thingy). It often comprises treble notes and bass notes. When playing piano, this means using both hands at the same time.
Sharps and Flats: A definition
These symbols change the pitch of a note.
A sharp sign looks similar to a pound/hash sign i.e. "#". A note with a sharp sign next to it, raises the note. For instance, an "F" accompanied by a sharp symbol transforms into an "F Sharp" or "F#". On the piano, this means you play the note directly on its right (irrespective of whether it is a white or black key)
A flat sign looks similar to the letter "b" in lowercase and italics i.e. "b". A note with a flat sign next it, lowers the note. For instance, an "E" accompanied by a flat symbol transforms into an "E flat" or "Eb". On the piano, this means you play the note directly on its left (irrespective of whether it is a white or black key).
Types of notes
- Whole note = semibreve
- Half note = minim
- Quarter note = crotchet
- Eight note = quaver
- Sixteenth note = semiquaver
- Thirty-second note = demisemiquaver
- Sixty-fourth note = hemidemisemiquaver
A dot placed after a note = value of that note increases by half of its original value
Two dots placed after a note = value of that note increases by a quarter (however this is very uncommon).
Using tools to help you learn to read notes
Reading piano notes is like learning a new language. It takes time, dedication, and plenty of practice. Learning the piano keys may seem hard at first. However, constant practice and referring to a notes chart will help you learn them quite quickly.
You can also use piano key stickers to help you learn to read notes. This is when you place removeable stickers on your piano that contain a picture of the note and the note label. This way, when you play, you will become accustomed to seeing the note, and therefore more easily remember the notes. We recommend you stop using them after 3 months, so you can test whether you remember the notes without them.
You can additionally write the note labels on your sheet music in pencil. Remember to keep a pencil handy.
Having a piano teacher can make it easier for you to ask questions and learn to read notes faster.
Conclusion
Learning to read piano notes is a valuable skill. It allows you to explore a wide range of music. Start by mastering the basics of treble and bass clef, use a piano notes chart, and practice regularly. Sit at the piano with your sheet music and let music take you on a journey of self-expression and creativity. And have fun.
Any questions at all, just e-mail through.
Elle Yiangou
Co-founder of Piano Glory, piano teacher. Achieved all 8 grades of AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) Piano Performance
E-mail: hello@pianoglory.com.au
Instagram: pianoglory.com.au