Where is C4? What frequency is A3? - pitch notation updated

[Henrik Kjelin]

These questions are being repeated from time to time, so here is a view of what is what in CVT terms. This chart is also in the book 'Complete Vocal Technique' Henrik

Today we use scientific pitch notation in CVT books and teaching:




CVT books published before 2012 are with Helmholtz pitch notation:

[singsangsung]

Hi Henrik,

one could add that in score for tenors the notes often are written one octave higher than they actually sound.

If this is done correctly, a small "8" is at the bottom of the clef, but this is often ommitted.

So the c2 that is one note above the middle line in your chart will often be noted on the second auxiliary line, like c3 is on your chart.

Regards,

SingSangSung

[Henrik Kjelin]

Dear singsangsung

I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for your comment!

Best wishes Henrik

[Gsoul]

I have another addition on naming notes.

According to my piano book the c0 (as in the chart above) is named "the small octave" and the notes are written with lower-case letters, like cdefgab.

The notes on the c-1 octave is named "the big octave" and are written with upper-case letters, like CDEFGAB.


Just another way of naming the notes if someone isn't doing it the Complete Vocal way.

[tl1970]

there are many designations for pitches. You seem to use Helmholtz.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_pitch_notation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helmholtz_pitch_notation

[Katharina]

Dear all,

So why does CVI use the term C1 for the scientific pitch notation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_pitch_notation C4 (= the C ("A4" refers to the A above middle C (that is, A440, the note that has a frequency of 440 Hz))?

Is already enough confusing...

My Boss tuner also indicates a C4 when I play the scientific pitch noted C4...

Kind regards,
Katharina

[Jadamgo]

The scientific pitch notation system is very common in the USA, but in Europe and other parts of the world they often use the Helmholtz pitch notation.

[viking]

Nice that this issue is finally being sorted out. This has confused me a lot, like when people have posted that their overdrive range goes up to C5 etc. In the music theory lessons at school i learned that the so called male High C is a C2 in written music.

[Zander]

Yeah, this confused me a bit too. I'm still not getting it tbh. I only understand what I guess is the American method (I'm English). So for me, middle C is C4, which in CVT, must be way higher.

Can somebody clarify what middle C (C4) is in CVT terms.

Note: I want to be able to hit a C-1 in USA keyboard... But I'd need the voice of god.

[viking]

In European terms the male high C is C2 in written music, like the top note of holy night. (if you have the skills to sing it in F Major). A C4 in Cvt terms would be two octaves higher... i dont think i ive ever heard someone hit a C4 before, maybe Mariah Carey could do it? So my guess is that the C1 you want to hit is a C2 in Cvt terms if you are male.

[Vocal]

Since the new 2012 edition of the book, CVI has changed its pitch notation from Helmholz to Scientific pitch notation, “which means that the middle C’s (formerly called C1) is now called c4.” (Danish 2012 edition, p. 10). So the chart on top of this page is in need of revision, as it is no longer up-to-date.

Personally, I really appreciate the change to Scientific pitch notation, as it for me is more intuitive to understand and use than the old system

[Henrik Kjelin]

Hi Vocal

You're right - thanks! I have now inserted the scientific pitch chart.

I hope it is more clear now. Sorry everybody for the confusion.

Best wishes Henrik