Since, the notes in music theory (A-G) are cyclic, how do tell which key is higher and which one lower?

Question

Since, the notes in music theory (A-G) are cyclic, how do tell which key is higher and which one lower?

In: Other

Answer 1

A couple of ways:

1. you reference the octave in relation to middle c saying “2nd G above middle C”. Miiddle C on the piano is a common anchor point.
2. A notation method for doing the same thing as #1 is “C4” – that’s middle C (the 4th octave from the left, although having learned the middle C and being a geek I always wanted middle C to be C0 (c-zero) and go down to negative numbers, but…i digress!
3. You place the notes on a cleff in musical notation. E.G. the treble cleff has a specific location for an absolute C4 or middle C, and for all notes. The notation on the various cleffs is absolute for both note within octaves and the octave on which it occurs.