Are you considering buying a piano and are curious about how many octaves on the piano you should aim for? Understanding piano octaves and the piano range is essential for choosing the right instrument.
Join us as we explain piano octaves, their significance, and how having a basic understanding of their relevance can help you determine which piano is suitable for your musical journey.
What Is an Octave?
An octave on a piano is a crucial concept to grasp when understanding the instrument's range. But what is an octave? And what is an octave on a piano exactly?
An octave is an interval between two pitches with the same letter name, where the higher note has double the frequency of the lower one. In the example below, we will show you the distance of one octave. The letter (A) refers to the note, the number (4 and 5) refers to the octave register, and the Hz (440 and 880) refers to the frequency.
- A4 = 440 Hz
- A5 = 880 HZ
On a standard 88-key piano, there are 7 registers. An example of one octave on the piano would be from A4 to A5.
- If we were to use a major scale to list the notes within this octave, the notes would be: A-B-C#-D-E-F#-G#-A;
- If we were to use a minor scale to list the notes within this octave, the notes would be: A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A.
The ability to identify octaves on a piano, in notated music, or even hear it can help improve your sight reading and aural skills. Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, Op.3, No.2 begins with 3 powerful chords spanning 2 octaves moving from A to G# to C#. Another piece you may be familiar with is “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. The notes of the beginning lyrics “Some” and “Where” are one octave apart.
How Many Keys and Octaves Does a Piano Have?
When discussing pianos, two key questions we’re asked are how many keys on a piano are ideal for the best playing experience and how many octaves does a piano have?
The standard for modern pianos is 88 keys, which includes 52 white and 36 black keys. This design offers a vast range of musical potential for players. With 88 keys on a piano, it features 7 full octaves plus three notes below the lowest C.
Piano Types by Octaves
In this section, we will explore various piano types by octaves and how many keys are on a piano, in particular highlighting their unique features and suitability for different players. Understanding how many octaves are on a piano is essential for picking the best instrument.
Standard: 88 keys (7 octaves)
Most modern acoustic and premium digital pianos manufactured today have 88 keys. This size was first introduced in the late 1800s and has been the standard ever since. This became the standard because notes above or below this range can be difficult for the human ear to discern.
This standard size offers a piano range of 7 full octaves plus 3 notes below the bottom C, catering to the needs of most musicians no matter what skill level they are at. The standard 88 keys allow you to learn and play a wide range of music whether you’re interested in classical, jazz, pop, or rock music. Most piano teachers are going to recommend that you have a fully weighted 88-key piano as well. Whether you’re taking lessons in a studio, performing in a recital hall, or rehearsing in a practice room, the standard 88-key piano is what you’re most likely going to be playing on.
Extra Large: 92-97 keys (8 octaves)
Nearly every piano at our store comes with 88 keys, however, there are a couple of exceptions. While extremely rare, there are some manufacturers including Bösendorfer who offer an extended range — the Bösendorfer 290 Imperial boasts 97 keys, and the 225 model is equipped with 92 keys.
The extra bass notes provide a richness and resonance that make it possible to play certain compositions by Bussoni, Bartok, Debussy, and Ravel. They were added by Bösendorfer at the request of Italian composer Ferruccio Bussoni who had transcribed organ works by J.S. Bach but needed to replicate the sound from the 16 and 32-foot bass pipes. The white keytops of the extra keys are colored in black so that they can be differentiated from the standard 88 keys.
Large: 85 keys (7 octaves)
The standard for acoustic pianos built in the mid to late 1800s was 85 keys. Throughout the 1900s, some manufacturers continued to build entry-level 85-key pianos for those with limited space. However, if browsing the used market today, pianos with 85 keys may be more difficult to come by and aren’t typically sought out due to their age and or quality.
Medium-Large: 61-76 keys (5-6 ½ octaves)
Pianos in the range of 61-76 keys are where you’ll find the mid to large-size portable keyboards and stage pianos. The smaller scale and lighter weight make them easier to transport. However, these types of portable keyboards may come with trade-offs that outweigh their benefits and might not have the most desirable look for those looking to keep them on display in their home.
One of the major trade-offs comes down to the touch or feel of the keyboard. Keyboards in this smaller range may claim to have “weighted keys”, however this popular marketing term can be misleading. It doesn't really mean that the keyboard feels or responds like a real piano, just that the key has more resistance than a keyboard's hollow plastic, and it ignores how critical the damper pedal (right pedal) is for beautiful sound. Most keyboards under 76 keys are not equipped with anything better than lightly weighted keys, which do not help develop arm or wrist strength for children.
Ultimately, pianists beginning on smaller keyboards may find themselves outgrowing them quickly and needing to upgrade to a piano with 88 keys. Students may also have a difficult time transitioning between practicing on a smaller piano, and then performing or taking lessons on the full standard size. The reduction in size also means you may run out of keys when choosing to play more challenging music that requires the full range.
If the reason why you’re considering a keyboard is for volume control and headphones, we offer a wide array of digital and hybrid piano options. The Yamaha AvantGrand is a terrific alternative because it comes with a real piano action mechanism, is equipped with volume control, and can also be played silently with headphones.
Extra Small-Small: 25-49 keys (2-4 octaves)
Small keyboards which range from 25-49 keys are where you’ll find many of the MIDI controllers or synthesizers. Their limited range can make playing music requiring two hands difficult. Additionally, MIDI controllers and synthesizers do not have built-in speakers and must be connected to external speakers or a computer with compatible software to generate sound. They can be used for creating and/or recording samples, loops, beats, or other electronic music and are convenient when the full 88-key piano range isn’t necessary.
MIDI controllers and synthesizers typically come with a selection of on-board controls that allow you to manipulate sound. However, students studying classical music or just beginning piano lessons might not find those tools particularly useful.
Do Piano Octaves Matter?
Yes, octaves on a piano are an important factor to consider when selecting the perfect instrument. For most applications, we recommend opting for a piano with 88 keys. This is the size recommended by piano teachers and would be sufficient for students at any level. For beginners, it allows you to become acquainted with the standard size early on and you’ll avoid the hassle of needing to upgrade simply because there weren’t enough keys on the piano.
Having the full 88 keys can be the difference between mastering your favorite piece or being limited by an inadequate range.
Conclusion
When choosing your piano, understanding the answer to "How many octaves are there on a piano?" is essential. A standard 88-key model offers a range of 7 full octaves on a piano plus 3 additional notes, which is ideal for any pianist whether you’re just beginning lessons or a seasoned pro.
If you want more help understanding octaves and how you can apply them to your practice, use our online piano teacher finder to locate a teacher near you. At Greene Music, we have a wide selection of grand, upright, digital, and hybrid pianos to choose from. If you have any questions about buying a piano and which options are best for you, Reach out today.
