6.1.1 Normal pitches

A pitch name is specified using lowercase letters a through g. An ascending C-major scale is engraved with

     
     \clef bass
     c d e f g a b c'

The note name c is engraved one octave below middle C.

     
     \clef treble
     c1
     \clef bass
     c1

The optional octave specification takes the form of a series of single quote (`'') characters or a series of comma (`,') characters. Each ' raises the pitch by one octave; each , lowers the pitch by an octave.

     
     \clef treble
     c' c'' e' g d'' d' d c
     \clef bass
     c, c,, e, g d,, d, d c

An alternate method may be used to declare which octave to engrave a pitch; this method does not require as many octave specifications (' and ,). See Relative octaves.

Other languages: French.