Below, I have tried to explain the notes-notation concepts in a brief manner. So if any one feels they need more clarity in any of these areas, please feel free to send me a comment or email. I will be happy to give you the details you are looking for.
The below concept of notations is valid for any kind instrument - I have just taken the example of a Keyboard/piano due to it's linear design of notes/pitches. Pitch increases from left to right side. For other instruments like violin or guitar, you need to know where each note is located. If you need any help regarding this also, please feel free to ask me.
Ok now,
In a keyboard/harmonium/piano, you can notice that the pattern for any set of 12 consecutive keys repeats (like in the diagram below) - irrespective of which key you start with - any such set of 12 consecutive keys is called an Octave. In the Western system of music, each of these keys/notes has a frequency or pitch (with a corresponding name - C, D, etc). The pitch or frequency of notes increases as you go from the left to the right on a keyboard.
For example: Keys C to B (12 notes - C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B) form an octave.
Similarly the other octaves are: Keys C# to C, Keys D to C#, Keys D# to D, Keys E to D#, Keys F to E, Keys F# to F, Keys G to F#, Keys G# to G, Keys A to G#, Keys A# to A, Keys B to A#.
Each octave is divided into twelve equal intervals called semi-tones, resulting in the 12 notes/pitches in an octave, as mentioned above.
The symbol '#' (sharp) represents - 'pitch increased by one semi-tone'
The symbol 'b' (flat) represents - 'pitch decreased by one semi-tone'
For example, C# and Db represent the same note/key/pitch.
In my next post, I will talk about the Indian system of notes (swaras) and notation. You will then understand it's basic difference from the western system. Once you understand the basics of each of these systems, you can choose to follow any system for playing your favorite songs.
The below concept of notations is valid for any kind instrument - I have just taken the example of a Keyboard/piano due to it's linear design of notes/pitches. Pitch increases from left to right side. For other instruments like violin or guitar, you need to know where each note is located. If you need any help regarding this also, please feel free to ask me.
Ok now,
In a keyboard/harmonium/piano, you can notice that the pattern for any set of 12 consecutive keys repeats (like in the diagram below) - irrespective of which key you start with - any such set of 12 consecutive keys is called an Octave. In the Western system of music, each of these keys/notes has a frequency or pitch (with a corresponding name - C, D, etc). The pitch or frequency of notes increases as you go from the left to the right on a keyboard.
For example: Keys C to B (12 notes - C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B) form an octave.
Similarly the other octaves are: Keys C# to C, Keys D to C#, Keys D# to D, Keys E to D#, Keys F to E, Keys F# to F, Keys G to F#, Keys G# to G, Keys A to G#, Keys A# to A, Keys B to A#.
The symbol '#' (sharp) represents - 'pitch increased by one semi-tone'
The symbol 'b' (flat) represents - 'pitch decreased by one semi-tone'
For example, C# and Db represent the same note/key/pitch.
In my next post, I will talk about the Indian system of notes (swaras) and notation. You will then understand it's basic difference from the western system. Once you understand the basics of each of these systems, you can choose to follow any system for playing your favorite songs.
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