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About C3
C3 has a frequency of 130.81 Hz in standard tuning, where A4 is fixed at 440 Hz. It is MIDI note 48 and key number 28 on an 88-key piano.
C3 is the lowest open string of the viola.
In equal temperament every semitone multiplies the frequency by the twelfth root of two (≈1.05946), so C3 is 21 semitones below A4: f = 440 × 2^((48 − 69) / 12) = 130.81 Hz. The number in the name is the octave in scientific pitch notation, which starts each octave on C.
C3 frequency in different tunings
| Tuning reference | C3 frequency |
|---|---|
| A4 = 440 Hz (ISO 16 standard) | 130.81 Hz |
| A4 = 442 Hz (many European orchestras) | 131.41 Hz |
| A4 = 443 Hz (Berlin, Vienna) | 131.7 Hz |
| A4 = 435 Hz (French diapason normal, 1859) | 129.33 Hz |
| A4 = 432 Hz (alternative tuning) | 128.43 Hz |
| A4 = 415 Hz (Baroque pitch) | 123.38 Hz |
| C4 = 256 Hz (scientific pitch) | 128 Hz |
Where to play C3 on a guitar
Standard tuning (E A D G B E), frets 0–22.
- 6th string (low E), fret 8
- 5th string (A), fret 3
Intervals from C3
| Interval | Note | Frequency | Ratio (just) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor second | C♯3 | 138.59 Hz | 16:15 |
| Major second | D3 | 146.83 Hz | 9:8 |
| Minor third | D♯3 | 155.56 Hz | 6:5 |
| Major third | E3 | 164.81 Hz | 5:4 |
| Perfect fourth | F3 | 174.61 Hz | 4:3 |
| Tritone | F♯3 | 185 Hz | 45:32 |
| Perfect fifth | G3 | 196 Hz | 3:2 |
| Minor sixth | G♯3 | 207.65 Hz | 8:5 |
| Major sixth | A3 | 220 Hz | 5:3 |
| Minor seventh | A♯3 | 233.08 Hz | 9:5 |
| Major seventh | B3 | 246.94 Hz | 15:8 |
| Octave | C4 | 261.63 Hz | 2:1 |
Instruments and voices that can play C3
Frequently asked questions
What is the frequency of C3?
C3 is 130.81 Hz when A4 = 440 Hz (128.43 Hz if A4 = 432 Hz).
What MIDI number is C3?
C3 is MIDI note number 48.
Is C3 on a piano?
Yes – it is key 28 of 88.
Where is C3 on the guitar?
In standard tuning: 6th string (low E), fret 8; 5th string (A), fret 3.