MusicianCV · TRCounting octaves on 88 keys
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Pitch and register
Counting octaves on 88 keys · A0 → A7 → C8 → 21 → 105 → 108
These examples use sounding pitch with middle C = C4 = MIDI 60. One octave spans 12 note numbers. String examples assume standard tuning.
Example
Sounding pitch / MIDI note number · A0 → A7 → C8 / 21 → 105 → 108
Sounding pitch / MIDI note numberA0 → A7 → C8 21 → 105 → 108
Try it
Which value would you check first if a DAW labels the octave differently?
Answer
Compare against the MIDI number in the diagram. Applications can use different octave labels for middle C.Related topics
Range and practical registerReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.