Middle C is often the first note the beginners need to identify when learning how to play piano. It is a solid foundation to begin any piano study. Skoove is here to help you understand this fundamental of both piano and music theory with this helpful guide for beginners. We will be looking at what middle C is, how it relates to music theory and how to find it on your piano. Let’s get started!
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What is middle C?
Middle C as the name would suggest is the C key that sits in the middle of the keyboard. It acts as a helpful reference point for reading music as well as navigating other piano notes and scales. If you’ve ever played any written piano music before you will be familiar with the treble and bass clefs. Middle C sits at the center point of these two staves when you read piano music. A handy thing to know right?
How to find middle C on the piano?
Where is middle C on piano? Middle C is quite easy to find on the piano as piano keys are organized around groups of two and three black keys. Knowing this layout is a useful tool for developing great piano technique.
Find the group of two black keys in the middle of the piano, the note to the left of them is middle C. Take a look at this diagram if you need any help:
Middle C on sheet music
Knowing where to find middle C on piano is a great first step. The next step is finding what middle C looks like on sheet music. Let’s examine how middle C looks on each of the clefs we commonly see in music.
Middle C on the treble clef
The treble clef is the tool most commonly used to notate music in the right hand on the piano. Middle C is notated here in treble clef:
Middle C on the bass clef
The Bass clef is the tool most commonly used to notate music in the left hand on the piano. Bass clef notes are most commonly found below middle C. Middle C is notated here in bass clef:
Middle C on the grand staff
Middle C is called middle C because it is in the middle of the grand staff, not just because it sits in the middle of the piano. Piano music is most commonly notated on the grand staff. The grand staff is the combination of treble and bass clefs we have already looked at joined together with a bracket. The grand staff looks like this:
Middle C on C clefs
Although C clefs don’t come up much in piano music they can be a vital part of understanding music theory as a whole. C clefs like the alto and tenor clefs shown below use middle C as an anchor point as opposed to treble clefs which use G and bass which uses F. Check out this diagram to compare how middle C looks on all these common clefs.
Songs using middle C
The best way to get to grips with middle C is by putting all your newfound knowledge into action. With Skoove you can practice and play safe in the knowledge that you have lessons and interactive feedback to help you as you learn. Check out some of our favorite beginner tunes that make use of middle C.
What’s next? Continue learning with Skoove
Now you understand all the basics of middle C you’ve made a big first step along your piano journey. Skoove is here to support you all the way. As you’ve seen we have lots of interactive songs and lessons to help you progress and enjoy music at your own pace. Keep up the good work and have fun practicing!
Author of this blog post:
Matthew Dickman
With over a decade of experience in music education Matthew holds a BA in Music from Paul McCartney’s LIPA and an MA in Composition from the University of Salford. Mathew has developed a distinctive compositional voice and approach to music theory education through his research and work in the music industry. Matthew’s writing for Skoove combines experience from orchestral and media composition, and as a gigging jazz musician, to create a wholistic and accessible pedagogy for musicians of any level. Away from music, he enjoys reading and exploring nature to expand his horizons and knowledge contributing to his holistic teaching style.
