The keyboard: black keys and white keys

1The piano and the keyboard

The piano was invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori about 300 years ago. When you press a key, a small felt hammer inside hits a string. A big piano has 88 keys. Electric keyboards work the same way for the player, but they are smaller and lighter, and many schools and churches in Rwanda use them.

2Low on the left, high on the right

The keys on the left make low sounds. As you move to the right, the sounds get higher. Try it: play a key far left, then one far right.

3Groups of two and three

The black keys are not in one long row. They come in groups: two black keys, then three black keys, then two, then three, all the way along.

The white keys use the musical alphabet, C D E F G A B, over and over again.

4Finding the notes

• C is the white key just to the left of every group of two black keys.
• D is in the middle of the two black keys, like a dog in its kennel.
• E is just to the right of the group of two.
• F is the white key just to the left of every group of three black keys.
• G, A, B sit among the three black keys.

5Middle C

The C closest to the middle of the piano is called middle C. It is the same middle C you met on the staff. On most keyboards it is near the brand name. This is where you will put your hands.

Try it yourself

Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.