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This is a list of the fundamental frequencies in hertz (cycles per second) of the keys of a modern 88-key standard or 108-key extended piano in twelve-tone equal temperament, with the 49th key, the fifth A (called A 4), tuned to 440 Hz (referred to as A440). [1] [2] Every octave is made of twelve steps called semitones.
Likewise, if a string tuned to 220 Hz (with a harmonic at 440 Hz) is played together with a string tuned at 442 Hz, the same 2 Hz beat is heard. [4] Because pianos typically have multiple strings for each piano key, these strings must be tuned to the same frequency to eliminate beats.
For instance, 660 Hz / 440 Hz (a ratio of 3:2) constitutes a fifth, and 880 Hz / 440 Hz (2:1) an octave. Such intervals (termed "just") have a stability, or purity to their sound, when played simultaneously (assuming they are played using timbres with harmonic partials) because pure intervals do not waver or beat regularly.
Frequencies of other notes are defined relative to this pitch. The written pitches for transposing instruments do not match those of non-transposing instruments. For example, a written C on a B ♭ clarinet or trumpet sounds as a non-transposing instrument's B ♭. The term "concert pitch" is used to refer to the pitch on a non-transposing ...
Starting from D for example (D-based tuning), six other notes are produced by moving six times a ratio 3:2 up, and the remaining ones by moving the same ratio down: E♭–B♭–F–C–G–D–A–E–B–F♯–C♯–G♯ This succession of eleven 3:2 intervals spans across a wide range of frequency (on a piano keyboard, it
Notes in each include an additional prime symbol below the note's letter. The octave starting at middle C is called the "small" octave. Notes in it are written as lower case letters, so middle C itself is written c in Helmholtz notation. The next higher octave is called "one-lined". Notes in it include a prime symbol above the note's letter.
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For an instrument in equal temperament tuned to the A440 pitch standard widely adopted in 1939, middle C has a frequency around 261.63 Hz [1] (for other notes see piano key frequencies). Scientific pitch was originally proposed in 1713 by French physicist Joseph Sauveur and based on the numerically convenient frequency of 256 Hz for middle C ...