Understanding Musical Range

"Range" is the total amount of notes an instrument is capable of producing. For example, most modern pianos have a range of 88 notes (from A0 to C8; see scientific pitch notation). Range should not be confused with register, which is the overall pitch character of an instrument’s voice (i.e., a bass guitar has a lower register than a guitar).

The standard ranges of electric keyboards are:

• 49 notes, from C2 to C6
• 61 notes, from C2 to C7
• 76 notes, from E1 to G7

Many harpsichords have a range of 5 octaves, from F1 to F6; organs range from C2 to C7.
Range is not to be confused with register, which is a different concept.