Description

This article is from the Piano General Topics FAQ, by Isako Hoshino rmmpfaq@yahoo.com with numerous contributions by others.

7.1] The "General" notation method

There is a simple alpha-numeric notation system which has
been in existence for some time and which may be used in
postings on the Internet. It is as follows:

  Going up starting at middle C:   c1  d1  e1  f1  g1  a1  b1
  Continuing up the next octave:   c2  d2  e2  f2  g2  a2  b2
  And the octaves above that:      c3  etc.
  
  ...and so on...
  
  First octave below middle C:     c   d   e   f   g   a   b
  Next octave lower:               C   D   E   F   G   A   B
  Next octave lower:               C1  D1  E1  F1  G1  A1  B1

...and so on...

However, if you decide to print this out in hard-copy,
publications rules change. On hard-copy, the numerals in
the upper octaves are written as superscripts, and those
below middle-C are written as subscripts.

Source: Baker, Theodore, Ed., "Pronouncing Pocket-Manual
of Musical Terms", G. Schirmer, Inc., New York, 1947.

 

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