<P> Most modern pianos have a row of 88 black and white keys , 52 white keys for the notes of the C major scale ( C , D , E , F , G , A and B) and 36 shorter black keys , which are raised above the white keys , and set further back on the keyboard . This means that the piano can play 88 different pitches ( or `` notes '' ) , going from the deepest bass range to the highest treble . The black keys are for the `` accidentals '' ( F ♯ / G ♭ , G ♯ / A ♭ , A ♯ / B ♭ , C ♯ / D ♭ , and D ♯ / E ♭ ) , which are needed to play in all twelve keys . More rarely , some pianos have additional keys ( which require additional strings ) . Most notes have three strings , except for the bass that graduates from one to two . The strings are sounded when keys are pressed or struck , and silenced by dampers when the hands are lifted from the keyboard . Although an acoustic piano has strings , it is usually classified as a percussion instrument rather than as a stringed instrument , because the strings are struck rather than plucked ( as with a harpsichord or spinet ) ; in the Hornbostel -- Sachs system of instrument classification , pianos are considered chordophones . There are two main types of piano : the grand piano and the upright piano . The grand piano is used for Classical solos , chamber music , and art song , and it is often used in jazz and pop concerts . The upright piano , which is more compact , is the most popular type , as it is a better size for use in private homes for domestic music - making and practice . </P>
<P> Most modern pianos have a row of 88 black and white keys , 52 white keys for the notes of the C major scale ( C , D , E , F , G , A and B) and 36 shorter black keys , which are raised above the white keys , and set further back on the keyboard . This means that the piano can play 88 different pitches ( or `` notes '' ) , going from the deepest bass range to the highest treble . The black keys are for the `` accidentals '' ( F ♯ / G ♭ , G ♯ / A ♭ , A ♯ / B ♭ , C ♯ / D ♭ , and D ♯ / E ♭ ) , which are needed to play in all twelve keys . More rarely , some pianos have additional keys ( which require additional strings ) . Most notes have three strings , except for the bass that graduates from one to two . The strings are sounded when keys are pressed or struck , and silenced by dampers when the hands are lifted from the keyboard . Although an acoustic piano has strings , it is usually classified as a percussion instrument rather than as a stringed instrument , because the strings are struck rather than plucked ( as with a harpsichord or spinet ) ; in the Hornbostel -- Sachs system of instrument classification , pianos are considered chordophones . There are two main types of piano : the grand piano and the upright piano . The grand piano is used for Classical solos , chamber music , and art song , and it is often used in jazz and pop concerts . The upright piano , which is more compact , is the most popular type , as it is a better size for use in private homes for domestic music - making and practice . </P>
how many white keys are on a standard piano
how many white keys are on a standard piano
52 white keys
52 white keys