Whether you’re tuning a piano, analyzing vocal performances, or teaching music theory, a musical note frequency chart is an essential reference. It links musical notes to their exact frequency values in Hertz (Hz), helping musicians, teachers, and audio engineers work with precision.
This guide provides a comprehensive chart for all standard notes along with practical applications.
Why Use a Musical Note Frequency Chart?
- Instrument Tuning: Match piano keys, guitar strings, or orchestral instruments to standard frequencies.
- Vocal Training: Help singers learn correct pitch ranges and tuning accuracy.
- Music Education: Visualize the relationship between pitch, notes, and frequencies for students.
- Audio Analysis: Calibrate synthesizers, mixers, and DAWs for recording sessions.
For real-time conversion, try the Note → Frequency Converter.
Standard Note Frequencies (A4 = 440 Hz)
| Note Name | Frequency (Hz) | Octave | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 27.50 | 0 | Lowest piano note |
| C1 | 32.70 | 1 | Bass instruments |
| C2 | 65.41 | 2 | Cello, bass guitar |
| C3 | 130.81 | 3 | Baritone voice |
| C4 (Middle C) | 261.63 | 4 | Piano, vocal warm-ups |
| A4 | 440.00 | 4 | Concert tuning reference |
| C5 | 523.25 | 5 | Soprano vocal training |
| A5 | 880.00 | 5 | High-register instruments |
| C6 | 1046.50 | 6 | Piccolo, upper-range synthesis |
| C8 | 4186.01 | 8 | Highest piano note |
For reverse mapping (Hz → Notes), use the Frequency → Note Converter.
Instrument & Vocal Frequency Ranges
| Instrument/Voice | Lowest Note | Highest Note | Frequency Range (Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piano | A0 | C8 | 27.5 – 4186.01 |
| Guitar (Standard) | E2 | E6 | 82.41 – 1318.51 |
| Violin | G3 | A7 | 196.00 – 3520.00 |
| Soprano Voice | C4 | C6 | 261.63 – 1046.50 |
| Bass Voice | E2 | C4 | 82.41 – 261.63 |
See Frequency Ranges for Instruments & Voices for a detailed breakdown.
Practical Applications in Music & Teaching
- Piano Tuners: Match each key to its Hz value for accurate tuning.
- Choir Directors: Ensure correct pitch alignment across voice sections.
- Music Students: Learn intervals, octaves, and pitch relationships visually.
- Audio Engineers: Use frequencies for EQ, mixing, and mastering precision.
Calibration Options
Different ensembles use different tuning standards:
- A440 (440 Hz): Modern Western standard for most instruments.
- A442 (442 Hz): Used by many European orchestras.
- A415 (415 Hz): Historical Baroque tuning reference.
For calibration settings, see Accuracy & Calibration in Note → Frequency Conversion.
FAQs
1. Does this chart work for all instruments?
Yes, it covers standard Western tuning systems.
2. Can I generate custom frequency charts?
Yes, using the Note → Frequency Converter.
3. What about electronic instruments?
Synthesizers and digital instruments follow the same tuning formulas unless altered.
Final Thoughts
A musical note frequency chart bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping musicians, educators, and engineers work with precision and consistency.
For live pitch analysis, try the Pitch Detector or use the Audio-File Pitch Detector for recorded files.
Pitch Detector is a project by Ornella, blending audio engineering and web technology to deliver precise, real-time pitch detection through your browser. Designed for musicians, producers, and learners who want fast, accurate tuning without installing any software.