Notes, Pitch & Melody

Octave

The short version

The same note name, higher or lower.

A little more

Play a C, then the next C above it. It sounds like the same note wearing a different coat. That's because the higher one vibrates exactly twice as fast.

Hear it

Try it

The same note, five heights

Press them in order, then all together.

Why you'd careMoving a part up or down an octave keeps the music the same but changes its job — a bass line an octave up becomes a lead.

Go deeper

The number after the letter tells you which octave: C3 is below middle C (C4), C5 is above it. Doubling frequency = up one octave; halving = down one.

Where you'll see this in BDT

Ear Room — Hear the Notes →

Learn next

PitchHow high or low a sound is.NoteOne musical sound with a pitch and a length.IntervalThe distance between two notes.RegisterWhich part of the high-to-low range a part is sitting in.

88 words and counting in The Music Guide. Back to the guide