What is Numbered Notation?

Numbered Notation (also known as Jianpu 简谱) is a music notation system that uses numbers 1–7 to represent the seven notes of a major scale. It is especially popular across Asia and among learners who want a faster path to reading music.

In Numbered Notation, the digit 1 always represents the tonic (the first note) of the key. For example, in C major, 1 = C, 2 = D, 3 = E, and so on.

Here is the basic mapping in C major: 1 = C, 2 = D, 3 = E, 4 = F, 5 = G, 6 = A, 7 = B.

Octave dots are placed above or below the number to show higher or lower octaves. A dot above means one octave higher; a dot below means one octave lower.

Jianpu is compact, easy to type, and does not require drawing staff lines. That makes it ideal for quickly sharing melodies in chat messages, classrooms, or online forums.

NotaBridge bridges Jianpu and standard staff notation, so you can convert your numbers into professional sheet music instantly.