~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

CLICK onto this link.----------------- (link)

The Main Purpose of the
BLACK KEYS
on the Piano/Keyboard is to
REDUCE the LENGTH
of the
keyboard.

EIGHT CONSECUTIVE WHITE KEYS = ONE "OCTAVE".

The white keys on the piano/keyboard
are 2.353cms wide.
(same as the average thumb)

There are 85 keys on an upright piano.
If all of these keys were "WHITE KEYS" then the keyboard would be 2.00 meters long.
(the average pair of arms spans 1.2meters)

An "OCTAVE" would span 28cms.
(The average human hand spans 19cms.)

EIGHT CONSECUTIVE WHITE KEYS = ONE "OCTAVE".

The "BLACK KEYS" take up no space.
(lengthwise along the keyboard)

There are 35 "BLACK KEYS" therefore the overall length of the piano/keyboard is reduced by 41% to 1.18meters.
(just about right for the average human arms)

Also the "OCTAVE" is reduced to 17cms.
(just about right for the average human hand)

EIGHT CONSECUTIVE WHITE KEYS = ONE "OCTAVE".

------------------------------------------------------------------
EVERYTHING about MUSIC is really quite simple.
(The problem is trying to explain it.)
SOMETIMES the EXPLANATION is more complicated than the MUSIC itself.
------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS WEBSITE is aimed at those people who have tried to "understand music" but have given up the struggle for whatever reason.



wearethegrimeyboys








































The more you know the more you know you need to know. (link)

Now that we have finalised the design of the piano/keyboard we can now put a LABEL on each key. (link)

We can use a name or a number or a letter or a sign or a symbol etc. You can invent your own system/method if you wish.

The important thing to remember is that the black keys are no different from the white keys.(as far as music is concerned)
i.e. the main purpose of the black keys is to reduce the length of the piano/keyboard.

One way
to learn a simple tune on the piano is to ask a friend or a parent or an adult or a teacher to write the letters onto the white keys. (link)

NEXT,
they write the letters onto the sheet music.

Finally
they play the tune for you (over and over again) until you have the tune "in your head."

Now you have a go.(repeat this process for as many times as it takes.)

P.S. you should choose someone who is really trying to help you and not somebody who is just showing you how clever they are.


SHEET
MUSIC is a WRITTEN SIGN LANGUAGE.
This sign language is very very simple and easy to follow IF you are an established:-

composer
..............arranger
...........................choir master
.............................................conductor
...........................................................musician
.......................................................................music teacher etc.
(but not much help to beginners)

EIGHT CONSECUTIVE WHITE KEYS = ONE "OCTAVE" but

there are 12 "different" keys to "ONE OCTAVE".

I.E. 7 different white keys plus 5 different black keys.

SOMETIMES the explanation is more complicated than the music itself.

SOMETIMES if you look at things from a different angle you can better understand previous explanations.

SOMETIMES my explanation is more complicated than the previous explanation.etc. etc. etc.

Bear in mind that many people can play music on the piano/keyboard without being able to read music(including many blind musicians)

Giving each key a name or a number is of no use to those people
who can "play by ear" but it is quite useful to beginners.

EIGHT CONSECUTIVE WHITE KEYS = ONE "OCTAVE" but

there are 12 "different" keys to "ONE OCTAVE".

SOURCES/AKNOWLEDGEMENTS:-

Rhythm style arranging by Sid Phillips (Dallas)
Music for G.C.E. "o" level by Jane Corbett/Vera Yelverton.
A Manual of Piano Tuning by Ron King and Fred Parret.
Physics and the Sound of Music by John S. Rigdon.(Wiley)
Music Notation by Gardner Read.(Gollanz)
The Guitar Handbook by Ralph Denyer(pan)
Wikipedia.(website)
UK Piano Page (website)
ABRSM. Publications.
Impressive Depressives by Peter Nolan Lawrence.
Ufindus (website)
The Guitar and its Music by Tyler and Sparks.
As many men as opinions.

SHEET MUSIC is just a written guide which tells you how to play a tune on the piano.

SHEET MUSIC is NOT an instruction on how to play the GUITAR.
(learner drivers use the highway code) (learner guitarists should use guitar tab.)

SHEET MUSIC is basically just a drawing of the piano keyboard. (turned on its side)(white keys only)

SHEET MUSIC consists of 5 lines and 4 spaces.

SHEET MUSIC.
The 5 lines represent the 5 fingers of the human hand. (splayed and resting on every other white key)

SHEET MUSIC. The 4 spaces represent the distance between each splayed finger. (2.353cms wide) same as the average thumb.
(same as the width of one white key)

Modern sheet music/NOTATION is basically just a schematic drawing of the piano/keyboard. (turned on its side) WHITE KEYS only.

Beginners can learn hundreds of tunes using only the WHITE KEYS.

Beginners should ignore the the black keys for the time being.
(the black keys are of no use to beginners except as a visual aid in locating the white keys)

Simplified Diagrams (link)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are no black keys on the guitar.(spanish guitar - classical guitar - electric guitar - bass guitar - folk guitar - rock guitar - pop guitar - skiffle guitar - acoustic guitar - semi acoustic guitar - solid guitar - 12 string guitar)

nor on the banjo . mandolin . ukelele . lute

. . nor on the violin . viola . cello . double bass

. . . . nor on the saxophone . soprano . alto . tenor . baritone

. . . . . . nor on the clarinet . oboe . bassoon

. . . . . . . . nor on the trumpet/cornet . flugal horn . trombone . tenor horn

. . . . . . . . . . french horn . baritone horn . euphonium

. . . . . . . . . . . . E flat bass . B flat bass . tuba . sousaphone

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . bugle . post horn . hunting horn . natural trumpet

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nor on the flute . piccolo . recorder . penny whistle . pan pipes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . human voice . soprano . alto . tenor . baritone

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . not even on the bag pipes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nor the staff

However if you are going to use "BLACK KEYS" to reduce the length of the piano/keyboard you should insert them in between the white keys in a distinctive pattern which will make it easier to "SEE":-
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the OCTAVES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the MODES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the SCALES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the CHORDS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . etc.

Hence the simple pattern of the "BLACK KEYS"

(2black - 3black) (2black - 3black) (2black - 3black) (2black - 3black) (2black - 3black)

This design has proved to be "THE" most practical application/configuration:-(from the point of view ) of the composer/arranger, the accomplished piano/keyboard player and the established choirmaster.

Not much use to beginners. (at this time)

Many thousands of musicians (non keyboard players) manage to play from keyboard music (NOTATION) but not many keyboard players can play from "Guitar tab".

Sheet music (notation) is basically a detailed instruction on how to play music on a piano/keyboard. . no wonder that millions of potential musicians (non keyboard players) give up the struggle because they are using the wrong instruction book.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "HORSES FOR COURSES". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Guitar Tab" is a detailed instruction on how to play music on a guitar.

Guitar players should use an instruction book with "Guitar Tab" s.

Newcomers to guitar playing should not attempt to learn their skills by using notation.This is the wrong instruction book.
I.E. it would be a bit like learning how to play Snooker by using an instruction book entitled "How to play pool."

Newcomers to piano/keyboard playing should not attempt to learn their skills by using "Guitar Tab." (this is the wrong instruction book)
i.e. it would be a bit like trying to learn how to play DRAUGHTS by using an instruction book entitled "How to play chess."

Learning to play a musical instrument and learning how to read music are two different exercises.

e.g. learning to drive a car and learning to read a road map are two different exercises.
Trying to learn both of these exercises (at the same time) would be a bit dodgy.(to say the least)



.....................................ADVERTISEMENT......................................

Most people just want to learn a few simple tunes:-

...on the guitar
...................or on the keyboard
...............................................or on the piano
.....................................................................or whatever.

You do not need to know all the musical jargon and technical terms (which are required in order to pass examinations in music)


Although there is no short cut (for learning music) there is a well trodden path which leads you painlessly through the maze of musical jargon and technical terms.

"LEARN MUSIC" is a very simple correspondence course which has helped many people to learn about music.

Using simple diagrams and simple words "LEARN MUSIC" will show you the "BASICS".

If you wish to receive a free lesson please send us the following information.

your NAME.................................................

your ADDRESS...........................................

.............................................................

.............................................................

your POSTCODE...........................................

your Instrument.........................guitar/piano/keyboard/etc.

Please send this information to:-

LEARN MUSIC
46 Hambleton avenue
Redcar

TS10 4HQ
U.K.



Sometimes it is useful to ignore the things that you do not understand.(for the time being) This tactic allows you to "move on" and "come back later."

"UNIVERSALITY" is just one of the many words which acknowledges that we are all dependent on each other and that no one person can achieve anything without the interaction of the rest of humanity.
(e.g. the butterfly effect/determinism.etc.)

J.S.Bach is no exception to this rule.
(he would have been aware of this)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) This man gets most of the credit/blame for our modern system of notation. (piano instruction sheets)

J.S.Bach was in the right place at the right time.

Science/Technology was advancing and producing better:-

. . . . . . . transport/travelling
. . . . . . . . . . . communication
. . . . . . . . . . . . . printed material
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . education
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . musical instruments.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sheet music

J.S.Bach was well informed/active regarding:-

. . . . . . .politics
. . . . . . . . . . . technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . business
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . religion
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . education
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . religious music
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . traditional music
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . contemporary music
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. music from other countries

J.S.Bach is regarded by many as one of the greatest composers of all time.
During his life he was recognised as one of the best exponents of the keyboard instruments.
His dedication to teaching is well documented and his publication of "The well- tempered Clavier" (book one and book two) are indicative of his willingness to share information.

:- put yourself into the shoes of J.S.Bach.

MUSICIANS make MUSIC.
business men make money.

Perhaps J.S.Bach chose Liepzig because it was primarily a teaching post. This would give him the freedom to do anything he chose during "working hours" on the pretext that it was for the benefit of the students. (and so it was)

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH did not dedicate his whole life's work to "absolute beginners" nor "part timers".

His writings/teachings were aimed at:-

. . . . . . . accomplished musicians
. . . . . . . . . . . established composers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . choir masters
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . conductors of great orchestras
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . headmasters of schools - colleges - universities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . heads of religious organisations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . heads of state
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . royalty
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . future generations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . archivists
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . historians

Therefore don't be surprised if you cannot understand modern sheet music.(it was never intended for beginners)

If you are having trouble relating sheet music to your instrument it is no use blaming J.S.Bach. He designed/modified/adapted sheet music to represent our modern piano/keyboard which in turn is tuned to equal temperament. (12 equal steps to every octave)

JOHANN SEBASTION BACH....... "link"

If you are having trouble follwing this article it is because I am not writing it in your terms.(I.E. I am not speaking your language)
This is my problem not yours.---------- (link)
SOMETIMES the EXPLANATION is more complicated than the MUSIC itself.

Zoe is the Greek word meaning "gift of life"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are only "12" (different) keys on the piano/keyboard. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

______________________

___________________ 12

___________________ 11

___________________ 10

____________________09

____________________08

____________________07

____________________06

____________________05

____________________04

____________________03

____________________02

____________________01


Above you see "12" keys of the piano/keyboard.(before black keys were "inserted")
Each key has been given a number. (as in tablature)
These numbers are the same as the fret numbers on the guitar.("B" string)

Below
you see the same "12" keys of the piano/keyboard but this time we have "converted" some of them to black keys in order to reduce the length of the keyboard.
Each key has been given the same number. (as in tablature)
These numbers are the same as the fret numbers on the guitar.("B" string)


_____________________

11 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... 12

09 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... 10

07 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,........... 08

..................................... 06

04 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,........... 05

02 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,........... 03

___________________ 01


By comparing these two diagrams it becomes obvious that the main purpose of the black keys is to reduce the length of the piano/keyboard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This design has proved to be "THE" most practical application/configuration:-.
(from the point of view) of the composer/arranger and the piano/keyboard player
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Having finalised the design of the piano/keyboard we can now design a system for instructing the piano player in the operation of this machine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are seven "different" white keys.
We use the first seven letters of the alphabet to name the white keys.

.............. a ....... b ....... c ....... d ....... e ....... f ....... g ..............

.............. A ....... B ....... C ...... D ....... E ....... F ...... G ............

Above you see the first seven letters of the alphabet.

Sometimes we use capitals and sometimes we use small letters.
(This is just for clarity.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below you see one set of white keys.(middle C = "C")

A B "C" D E F G

Below you see two sets of white keys.

a b c d e f g A B "C" D E F G

Below you see three sets of white keys.

a b c d e f g A B "C" D E F G a b c d e f g

The only reason for alternating between CAPITALS and
"lower case" letters is to make it easier to see the "sets".

Below you see four sets of white keys.

A B C D E F G a b c d e f g A B "C" D E F G a b c d e f g

Below you see five sets of white keys.

A B C D E F G a b c d e f g A B "C" D E F G a b c d e f g A B C D E F G

Etc. etc. etc.

Middle "C" is a very important note in music because it is in the middle of the range (of the human ear) and in the middle of the range(of the human voice)

(middle C ="C")
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below you see one complete keyboard.

...............................
............................ C
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,......... g
............................ f
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,......... d
.............................c

Notice the simple pattern of the black keys.(2black - 3black)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below you see two complete keyboards.(joined together)
................................
............................. C
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... g
............................. f
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... d
............................. c
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... b
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... a
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... G
............................. F
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... E
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... D
............................"C"

Notice the simple pattern of the black keys.
(2black - 3black) (2black - 3black)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below you see three complete keyboards.(joined together)

................................
............................. C
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... g
............................. f
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... d
............................. c
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... b
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... a
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... G
............................. F
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... E
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... D
............................"C"
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... g
............................. f
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... d
..............................c

Notice the simple pattern of the black keys.
(2black - 3black) (2black - 3black) (2black - 3black)

Most pianos consist of seven complete keyboards.(joined together)

Notice that we use letters to give the white keys a "NAME".

Using numbers (tablature) would work very well for piano/keyboard players plus other instrumentalists.

However using letters (notation) has proved to be "THE" most empathic system from the point of view of the composer, the arranger, the transcriber, the transposer, the conductor and last but not least the vocalist/choir and the choir master.

We do not need to know the names of the black keys.(not just yet anyway)
However the black keys are useful for locating the white keys.

Notice how "D" always comes in between two black keys.

Notice how "E" always comes just above/to the right of two black keys.

Notice how "F" always comes just below/to the left of three black keys.

Notice how "B" always comes just above/to the right of three black keys.

Notice how "C" always comes just below/to the left of two black keys.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A Secondary Purpose of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "BLACK KEYS" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . is to "LOCATE" the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . white keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You now have MOST of the information you need in order to start playing simple tunes on the piano/keyboard.

You can play hundreds of tunes using only the white keys.

There are only "SEVEN" different white keys.

There are only "TWO" things you need to know.

1. "WHICH" note to play.

2. "HOW LONG" to play the note.


(Write the names onto all of the white keys on your piano/keyboard)

If there were no letters/numbers on the following items you would not be able to use them.

.......telephone.

...........calculator.

.............remote control for the telly.

.................remote control for the video.

...................dashboard of the car.

......................mobile/cell phone.

.............................washing machine.

...............................microwave oven.

.....................................Computer keyboard.

.........................................QWERTY type- writer.

...........................................C.D. player. etc. etc. etc.

(So - Write the names onto all of the white keys on your piano/keyboard)

If you have not understood any of the foregoing it is because I have not explained it in your "terms".I.E. I am not speaking your language.(therefore it is my problem-not yours.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



There are only "TWO" things you need to know.

1. "WHICH" note to play.(letter/name/key)

2. "HOW LONG" to hold the note.(number/seconds/beats)

Below you see the Name and Number for each note(Theme tune)

"C". D . E . F . G . a . F .
...1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 2 . 2 . 8 .

F . E . D ."C"."C". g .
.1 . 1 . 1 . .1 . . 2 . 2 .

E . F . G . E . D ."C".
.2 . 1 . 1 . 2 . 2 . 8 .





------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
....................... THE FRAMEWORK OR STAFF .......................

____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Above you see the FRAMEWORK for modern sheet music.(notation)

There are 5 lines and 4 spaces.

We call this framework the STAFF.

The 5 lines represent the 5 fingers of the hand.(placed on every other white key)

The 4 spaces (between the lines) represent the 4 spaces (between the fingers)

By itself the STAFF does not tell us which notes to play.
(We have to "line it up" against the piano/keyboard as shown)

Below you see the 5 lines of the STAFF "lined up" against the keyboard. (just above middle "C")

These five lines represent the five fingers (r.h.) placed on every other white key.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E . G . B . D . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I.E the average piano player could place their thumb (r.h.) on E above middle C then (working up the keyboard) play every other note at the same time, which would give - E - G - B - D - F -

This would sound the chord of "G7/E".

When "lined up" in this position the STAFF is said to be in the "TREBLE CLEF".

................................
............................. C
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... g
............................. f --------------------------------------------------------------little finger
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... d------------------------------------------------------------ring finger
............................. c
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... b ---------------------------------------------------middle finger
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... a
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... G -------------------------------------------------------------index finger
............................. F
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... E -------------------------------------------------------------thumb(r.h.)
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... D
............................"C" (middle "C")
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... g
............................. f
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... d
............................. c
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... b
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... a
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... G
............................. F
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... E
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... D
............................. C
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,..........
................................

You have now got all the information you need in order to play many many simple tunes on the piano/keyboard.

There are only "TWO" things you need to know.

1. "WHICH" note to play.

2. "HOW LONG" to play the note.

I.E. You do not need to know all the musical jargon and technical terms before you start playing tunes on the keyboard.















.............................
............................. C
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... g
............................. f ---------------------------------------------------------------little finger
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... d ---------------------------------------------------------------ring finger
............................. c
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... b ------------------------------------------------------------middle finger
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... a
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... G -------------------------------------------------------------index finger
............................. F
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... E --------------------------------------------------------------thumb(r.h.)
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... D
............................"C" (middle "C")
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A ---------------------------------------------------------------thumb(l.h.)
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... g
............................. f --------------------------------------------------------------index finger
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... e
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... d -------------------------------------------------------------middle finger
............................. c
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... b --------------------------------------------------------------index finger
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... a
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... G ----------------------------------------------------------------little finger
............................. F
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... E
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... D
............................. C
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... B
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.......... A
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,..........
................................


Above you see the five lines of the STAFF "lined up" against the keyboard. (just below middle "C")

The five lines represent the five fingers (l.h.) placed on every other white key.
. . . . . . . . . . . G . B . D . F . A . . . . . . . . . . .

I.E. The average piano player could place their thumb (l.h.) on "A" below middle C then (working down the keyboard) play evey other note at the same time, which would give - G - B - D - F - A

This would sound the chord of "G9"

When "lined up" in this position the STAFF is said to be in the "BASS CLEF"






==========================================
DO NOT PRINT BELOW THIS POINT.
==========================================


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



i.e. MUSIC has not changed since the beginning of time but "we" keep 'fixing it' anyway.

========================
TABLATURE/EQUAL TEMPERAMENT

===========================

"Equal temperament" was in general use by the Spanish Guitar Players in the thirteenth century.(AD)

Using guitar "TAB" they could tune their open strings to:-

1. The human voice.

2...blahblah

3......blahblahblah

There are only "12" (different) frets on the guitar/fretboard.
-
---=================================
DO NOT PRINT BELOW THIS POINT!
=================================
The female of the species is more deadly than the male.
The female of the species is the species.
The male is merely a mutation.
The mutants of the species give rise to variations.(link)

vvveeerrryyylllaaasssttt















(verylasttttaaabbbllleee)















ttaaabbbllleee










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Just below this writing are seven sets of white keys.
(you cannot SEE them because they are on a white background)



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Just below this writing is a little piano/keyboard.You can SEE the pattern of the black keys.
(2black-3black) (2black-3black) (2black-3black) (2black-3black)(etc)

. | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | |

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A SECONDARY PURPOSE of the black keys is to LOCATE the white keys.

. | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | |
.c..............c.............c..............c.............c..............c..............c............

Notice how "c" always comes to the left of 2black keys(as above)
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There are no black keys on the guitar nor on the violin etc.
nor on the saxophone
nor on the clarinet/oboe etc.
nor on the trumpet/trombone etc.
not even on the bagpipes
nor the staff.
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A FURTHER PURPOSE of the black keys
is to define the intervals of the OCTAVES,
the MODES,
the SCALES
and the CHORDS.






































































---------------------


"UNIVERSALITY" is just one of the many words which acknowledges that we are all dependent on each other and that no one person can achieve anything without the interaction of the rest of humanity.(e.g. the butterfly effect/determinism. etc.)

J.S.BACH is no exception to this rule.(he would have been aware of this)
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"EQUAL TEMPERAMENT" requires 12 keys per octave.(Western system)

Therefore if you are going to use "BLACK KEYS" to reduce the length of the keyboard you should
insert them in between the white keys in a distinctive pattern which will make it easier to "SEE" the OCTAVES,
the MODES,
the SCALES,
the CHORDS etc.
Hence (2blacks-3blacks) per octave.

. | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | .
.c.....f........c.....f.......c......f.......c.....f.......c......f.......c......f........c.....f.........



Notice how "f" always comes to the left of 3black keys.

This format makes the composers' job much easier.

I.E. The PIANO KEYBOARD is to MUSIC as the ABACUS is to MATHEMATICS.
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Having finalised the design of the keyboard we can now
finalise the "LAYOUT" of the musical score.

MODERN SHEETMUSIC/NOTATION is just a schematic drawing
of the MODERN KEYBOARD.(white keys only.)
I.E. Notation is basically a detailed instruction on how to
play music on a piano/keyboard.

This is the obvious choice of the composer, the arranger,
the copyist, the transposer, the transcriber, pianist etc.

Many many musicians (non keyboard players) manage to play from keyboard music (notation) but not many keyboard players can play the piano from "Guitar tab".
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This "PAGE" is written in black and white because it is easy to see.

Black roads with white lines are easy to follow.

The "Black and White Minstrel Show" was easy to watch and easy to listen to.

The Black Abbotts(a very popular musical/entertainment group.)

BLACK SABBATH(one of the leading "heavy metal" bands.)

BLACK HAMMERS(every body's heard them but no body has seen them.)
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:- put yourself into the shoes of J.S.BACH.

MUSICIANS MAKE MUSIC
business men make money

Perhaps J.S.Bach chose Liepzig because it was primarily a teaching post. This would give him the freedom to do anything he chose during "working hours" on the pretext that it was for the benefit of the students.(and so it was)

History plus Bach plus modern technology means that we can reassure the beginner.

STEP ONE.
In order to play a simple tune on the piano/keyboard you need to know just two things.

1) Which note to play.

2) How long to play the note.

ONCE YOU KNOW THE NAMES OF THE WHITE KEYS YOU CAN START PLAYING MANY MANY TUNES.

THERE ARE ONLY 7 LETTERS TO LEARN.

......... A ........... B ........... C ........... D ........... E ........... F ........... G .........

ONCE YOU FIND ONE LETTER ON THE PIANO/KEYBOARD YOU CAN EASILY FIND THE REST BECAUSE THEY ARE IN "ALPHABETICAL ORDER."

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We do not need the black keys (yet) but they do help us to find the white keys.

You can see the simple pattern of the black keys.

---2black---3black---2black---3black---2black---3black---etc.

. | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | .
.c...e..........c...e..........c...e..........c...e..........c...e..........c...e..........c...e......

Notice how "e" always comes to the right of 2black keys.

The easiest letter to find is middle "C" because it is close to the middle of the keyboard and is just to the left of two black keys.
(as shown above)

Mark this key with a capital "C" (use a 2B pencil because it will not damage the keys and can be rubbed-off later.)

You can now mark the remaining keys named "C"
("C" is always located to the left of two black keys.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "C" to "C" is one OCTAVE

WE USE THE FIRST 7 LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET TO NAME THE WHITE KEYS OF THE PIANO KEYBOARD.

.| | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | . | | . | | | .
..........a.b.c.d.e.f.g...............a.b.c.d.e.f.g..............a.b.c.e.f.g.

Fill in the missing letters on your own piano/keyboard.

If there were no letters/numbers etc. on the:-

... qwerty keyboard:-
........... remote control for the telly:-
..................... telephone:-
................................. calculator:-
........................................... mobile:-
............................................... dashboard of the car:-
..................................................... washing machine:- etc. -etc. etc.
you would not be able to use them.
(so write the letters onto the white keys of your piano/keyboard)

SOURCES:-

Rhythm Style Arranging by Sid Phillips (Dallas)
Music for G.C.E. "O"level by Jane Corbett/Vera Yelverton.
Physics and the Sound of Music by John S. Rigden.(Wiley)
Music Notation by Gardner Read (Gollanz)
The Guitar Handbook by Ralph Denyer(Pan)
A Manual of Piano Tuning by Ron King and Fred Parrett.
Wikipedia. (website)
UK Piano Page (website)
ABRSM
Impressive Depressives by Peter Nolan Lawrence.
ufindus (website)
etc. etc. etc. ad infinitum/quot homines tot sententiae.
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.......................THE FRAMEWORK OR STAFF.......................

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Above you see the FRAMEWORK for modern sheet music (notation)

There are 5 lines and 4 spaces.

We call this framework the STAFF.

The 5 lines represent the 5 fingers of the hand.(placed on every other white key.)

By itself the STAFF does not tell us which notes to play.
(We have to line it up against the piano/keyboard as shown below)

Your 5 fingers represent the 5 lines of the "STAFF"(treble clef)
(and vice versa)
The 4 spaces between your fingers represent the 4 spaces of the "STAFF".(treble clef.)(and vice versa)

I.E. the average piano player could place their thumb (R.H.) on E above above middle C (then play every other note at the same time) which would give - E - G - B - D - F -

This would sound the chord of Em7addb9(as shown below)

.....................,
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| b
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| a
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| g
.....................| f -------------------------------------------- little
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| e
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| d --------------------------------------------ring
.....................| c
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| b --------------------------------------------middle
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| a
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| g ----------------------------------------------index
.....................| f
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| e ------------------------------------------------thumb(R.H.)
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| d
.....................| c - -(middle "c")- -
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| b
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| a ------------------------------------------------thumb(L.H.)
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| g
.....................| f ----------------------------------------------index
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| e
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| d --------------------------------------------middle
.....................| c
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| b ---------------------------------------------ring
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| a
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| g ---------------------------------------------little
.....................| f
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| e
,,,,,,,,,,,,.........| d
.....................| c


Your 5 fingers represent the 5 lines of the "STAFF"(bass clef)(and vice versa)

The 4 spaces between your fingers represent the 4spaces of the "STAFF"(bass clef)(and vice versa)

I.E. the average piano player could place their thumb (L.H.) on A below middle C (then play every other note (downover) at the same time) which would give - G - B - D - F - A -
This would sound the chord of G9 (as shown above)

(quite often the explanation is more complicated than the music itself)
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The average human voice can manage "TWO OCTAVES".(at a pinch)

Every person has a different range of "sweet notes".

The combined range of "sweet notes" (of the average choir) is roughly from the "F" below the Bass Clef to the "G" above the Treble clef.
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MIDDLE "C" is the most important note in music.

A. It is in the middle of the keyboard.

B. It separates the Top staff (Treble Clef) from the Bottom staff (Bass Clef)

C. It separates the instruments with low voices from the instruments with high voices.

D. It separates the right hand music from the left hand music.

E. The low range of notes are below Middle "C"(to the left of Middle"C" on the piano/keyboard).

F. The high range of notes are above Middle "C" (to the right of Middle "C" on the piano/keyboard).

G1. Middle "C" is approx. in the middle of the range of the average human ear.(as far as musical sounds are concerned).

G2. Middle "C" is approx. in the middle of the "combined voice range " of the average choir.
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