Black keys alternate between groups of two and groups of three.
Sharps and flats
Black keys on piano
The black keys on piano are arranged in repeating groups of two and three. They are named as sharps when moving up and flats when moving down.
C4D4E4F4G4A4B4
C#4 / Db4D#4 / Eb4F#4 / Gb4G#4 / Ab4A#4 / Bb4Each full octave has five black keys.
A full standard piano has 36 black keys.
Two-black-key group
The two-black-key group contains C sharp or D flat, then D sharp or E flat.
Three-black-key group
The three-black-key group contains F sharp or G flat, G sharp or A flat, and A sharp or B flat.
How to practice black keys
Practice naming one group at a time. The visual group is more reliable than counting from the left edge of the keyboard.
Black keys in one octave
| Position | Sharp name | Flat name |
|---|---|---|
| Between C and D | C# | Db |
| Between D and E | D# | Eb |
| Between F and G | F# | Gb |
| Between G and A | G# | Ab |
| Between A and B | A# | Bb |
FAQ
Quick answers
Why are there no black keys between E and F?
E and F are a half step apart already, so there is no separate black key between them.
Why are there no black keys between B and C?
B and C are also a half step apart, so they sit next to each other without a black key.
Should I say sharp or flat?
Use sharp when the note is raised from the lower white key and flat when it is lowered from the higher white key.