Piano Basics • Lesson 2

Find Middle C

Middle C is one of the main landmarks musicians use on the piano. Once you know how to find any C, finding Middle C becomes easy.

About This Lesson

First, Find Any C

The black keys are your road map. Instead of trying to memorize every white key individually, use the repeating groups of black keys to tell you where you are.

1
Find Two Black Keys

Look anywhere on the keyboard for a group of two black keys.

2
Look Immediately to the Left

The white key immediately to the left of that group of two black keys is C.

3
Find All the C Notes

Repeat the same trick across the keyboard. You'll notice the pattern keeps coming back.

4
Now Find Middle C

On a standard full-size piano, count the C notes from left to right. The fourth C is Middle C. It's also visually around the middle of the keyboard.

Do You See C? 😄

I hope C is what you saw...because if you didn't see C, then what you saw was not C. Ya see?!

Seriously though — look away from the keyboard, look back, and point to a C as quickly as you can. Do it in several octaves until the groups of black keys automatically tell your eyes where C is.