Music theory definition
Octave
The distance from one note to the next note with the same name. The higher note vibrates exactly twice as fast.
Hear an example
Play the example and listen for the idea described above.
Same name, higher sound
C to the next C is an .
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 1: Sound and pitch. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Octaves
Why notes with the same name sound alike, and what middle C is.
Explore with an interactive tool
- Instrument & staff
Play notes on your preferred instrument view or through the microphone. See them on the staff and explore intervals and chords.
Related music terms
- Interval
- The distance between two notes, named by number (how many letters) and quality.
- Keyboard
- The row of white and black keys on a piano. Press a key to make a sound; keys farther right sound higher.
- Fret
- One of the metal strips across a guitar neck. Moving up by one fret raises a note by one half step.
- Fretboard
- The front of a guitar, bass, or ukulele neck, where you press strings to choose notes.
- Piano key
- One of the white or black pieces you press on a piano to make a sound. This is different from a musical key, such as C major.
- Vibration
- A quick back-and-forth movement that makes sound. A piano string vibrates when you press a key.