C♯ (musical note) explained

C (C-sharp) is a musical note lying a chromatic semitone above C and a diatonic semitone below D; it is the second semitone of the solfège. C-sharp is thus enharmonic to D. It is the second semitone in the French solfège and is known there as do dièse. In some European notations, it is known as Cis. In equal temperament it is also enharmonic with B (B-double sharp/Hisis).

When calculated in equal temperament with a reference of A above middle C as 440 Hz, the frequency of C4 (the C above middle C) is about 277.183 Hz.[1] See pitch (music) for a discussion of historical variations in frequency.

Designation by octave

Scientific designationHelmholtz designationOctave nameFrequency (Hz)
C−1 C͵͵͵ or ͵͵͵C or CCCC Subsubcontra
C0 C͵͵ or ͵͵C or CCC Subcontra
C1 C͵ or ͵C or CC Contra
C2 C Great
C3 c Small
C4 c One-lined
C5 c Two-lined
C6 c Three-lined
C7 c Four-lined
C8 c Five-lined
C9 c Six-lined
C10 c Seven-lined

Scales

Common scales beginning on C

Diatonic scales

Jazz melodic minor

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Suits. B. H.. Physics of Music Notes - Scales: Just vs Equal Temperament. MTU.edu. Michigan Technological University. 1998. 5 February 2024.