Pitch Names and MIDI Numbers

DirectMusic Producer uses two systems for naming pitches. Both combine a pitch name and an octave number.

The first system follows the standard naming convention used throughout the MIDI industry. In this system, the pitch letter is followed by the octave number. The pitch called C5 represents middle C, equal to MIDI note 60. The pitch an octave above middle C is called C6. The pitches between C5 and C6 (moving up the scale from C5) are D5, E5, F5, G5, A5, and B5.

The other system for naming pitches is unique to DirectMusic Producer and is used to name chord roots and design the structure of chords. In this system, 2 C is a reference pitch that can be considered a mid-range pitch for an instrument that is playing. The pitches between 1 C and 2 C are 1 D, 1 E, 1 F, 1 G, 1 A, and 1 B. Only four octaves are available for constructing chords, 1 C through 4 B. Only two octaves are available for creating chord roots, 1 C through 2 B. For more information, see Chord Properties.

The following table shows examples from the full range of MIDI note names, MIDI key numbers, and traditional names.