Piano Basics - Your First Steps

Welcome to Your Piano Journey!

The piano keyboard consists of white and black keys arranged in a repeating pattern. Understanding this pattern is the foundation of everything you'll learn.

The Repeating Pattern

Look at your piano or keyboard. You'll notice the black keys are grouped in sets of 2 and 3. This pattern repeats across the entire keyboard:

• 2 black keys → 3 black keys → 2 black keys → 3 black keys...

• Each complete pattern (from one C to the next C) is called an octave

Finding Middle C

Middle C is your starting point. It's the white key immediately to the left of the group of 2 black keys, near the center of your keyboard. Place your right thumb on this key - congratulations, you've found middle C!

The Musical Alphabet

Piano keys use the letters A through G, then the pattern repeats:

• C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C

• The black keys are called sharps (♯) or flats (♭)

Try it: Find middle C on your piano. Now play C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C going up. You've just played your first scale!