Lesson 01.1
Meet the Keyboard
In this lesson you will learn the names of the keys, how they are arranged, and the groups of black keys.
◉ Beginner friendly
▥ Beginner level
◎ Lesson goal
Lesson Progress
Your First Look at the Piano Keyboard
A piano keyboard may look complicated at first, but it follows a very simple repeating pattern. Once you learn to recognize that pattern, finding your way around the keyboard becomes much easier.
White Keys and Black Keys
The keyboard is made up of white keys and black keys. The white keys form the main row of the keyboard, while the black keys sit slightly higher and are arranged in groups.
Find the Groups of Two Black Keys
Look across the keyboard. Can you spot the groups containing two black keys?
TRY IT YOURSELF
Find a Group of Two Black Keys
Look at the keyboard and click any group of two black keys.
Find the Groups of Three Black Keys
Now look for groups containing three black keys. You’ll see that groups of two and three alternate across the keyboard.
TRY IT YOURSELF
Find a Group of Three Black Keys
Look at the keyboard and click any group of three black keys.
The Keyboard Repeats
The pattern of two black keys followed by three black keys repeats all the way across the keyboard. This repeating pattern is what helps pianists quickly work out where they are.
Try It on Your Own Keyboard
If you have a piano or keyboard nearby, take a moment to look at it. Find three different groups of two black keys, then find three different groups of three black keys.
Quick Check
QUICK CHECK
What Have You Learned?
Answer these three questions before moving to the next lesson.
Great! You now know the basic geography of the piano keyboard.