Middle 'C'

hb · #1 July 1st, 2006

I have read in guitar instruction books that the Middle 'C' on a guitar in correlation to the piano is the low C, ie. 5th string-3rd fret. Then they say although this is the middle C, it sounds an octave lower, which indeed, it does. Why is not the "Middle C" on the guitar an octave higher which would be the same tone as the piano? What's this all about? I have noticed that when a play a tune from piano sheet music, the song sounds much "lower" than what I think it should be. Should I take the piano music and try to move it up an octave? I hope not as this would put me in no-man's land on the fret board.
thanks,
hb

Fretsource · #2 July 1st, 2006

Yes, guitar music is notated an octave higher than it sounds. That's because the guitar is rather a low pitched instrument. It's notated an octave higher so that its notes can be conveniently written on the treble staff. If written at its true pitch, most of its notes would be too low for the treble staff and still too high for the bass staff. So notating it up an octave was a workable solution.
If you play piano or violin music directly from the score, it will sound an octave lower than it should. That doesn't bother most people though. If it bothers you though then, yes, you'll have to take it up an octave into "no man's land" on the fretboard (Good phrase - I must remember that)

hb · #3 July 1st, 2006

Thanks for clearing that up....I guess that makes sense.
hb

si16 · #4 July 1st, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fretsource

....you'll have to take it up an octave into "no man's land" on the fretboard (Good phrase - I must remember that)

I've heard some people call that the dusty end.

hb · #5 July 1st, 2006

I don't know, if there's any dust from dry skin flaking off fingers up there......it sure ain't mine!!!!!!

namiguShin · #6 July 2nd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by si16

I've heard some people call that the dusty end.

good one, too...

And thanks about this middle C, Fretsource... I've never tried to play from the staff and compare guitar and piano, so I've never "bumped" into this problem, but the explanation makes sense and is good to know...

Kirk Lorange · #7 July 2nd, 2006

You're a goldmine of guitar/music info, Fretsouce ... thanks for sharing it here.

Fretsource · #8 July 2nd, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk Lorange

You're a goldmine of guitar/music info, Fretsouce ... thanks for sharing it here.

Thanks for that Kirk. Pleasure to be here, mate - and believe me, I've gained more than I've given. You, Clancy and your huge extended family have made this a place to be proud of.