12 Equal Steps!

Let's keep exploring pitch, specifically the octave, and how it's divided into 12 equal steps. That gives us the 12 notes we use to make music.

When an orchestra tunes up, they usually tune to the note "A 440," the pitch A, which has 440 Hz as its frequency. If you have ever played piano, you will know that note is the A note above middle C. You'll find the note A 440 on the guitar at the fifth fret on the thinnest string.

Octaves always occur on a 1:2 ratio. Notes that are an octave apart are exactly half or double the frequency of the starting note. It is interesting because, scientifically, it's always a ratio of one to two; that's what an octave is and why it works. They sound like the same note to us!

On Guitar

Grab a guitar if you can! An A 110 is the frequency of our open A string! Play it now: listen to the second thickest (the 5th string).

Now play the same string, but put a finger in the 12th fret—that's where there are probably double dots. Sound similar!

That note is also note A, but it has a frequency of 220! We describe these notes as being an octave apart. They have the same note name but a different frequency!

💡Understanding Your Guitar Neck! The octave is found in the 12th fret because we divide an octave into 12 notes.

On Piano

Black keys on a piano come in groups of twos and threes. We'll learn more about the black notes shortly, but for now, realize that you will find note A in the same relative position in every group of 3 black notes. They are all note A but in different Octaves. Notice here, too, that there are 12 notes in the Octave.

Octaves: Frequently Asked Questions

1 - Does it matter what octave you play in?

Playing a melody in different octaves does sound different because one will be higher or lower than another. Still, people constantly change the octave of melodies to suit their voice or make something sound more interesting.

2 - The word Octave suggests 8, but aren't there 12 notes?

Great question - Octagon, 8 sides, Octopus, 8 legs… When we learn about the Major Scale, you'll see that it has 7 notes, and if we finish again on the starting note, it would be the eighth note. I assume that is why it's called an octave!

If you have more questions about octaves, post them in the comments, and I'll answer them in the text part of this lesson!

Summary Points

Notes that are an octave apart have the same note name but are double or half the frequency.
An octave is divided into 12 equally spaced notes.

👉 Ready? Let's learn The Note Circle!