How to Read Music Numbers

Each number from 1 to 7 represents a scale degree. In C major these are C, D, E, F, G, A, B. The key signature tells you which note is the tonic.

Add ' (apostrophe) above a number to raise it one octave; add , (comma) below to lower it one octave. You can stack multiple dots for wider ranges.

Write # before a number to raise it by a semitone (sharp) and b to lower it (flat). For example, #4 raises the fourth scale degree by one semitone.