A FEW NOTES. A LITTLE DISCOVERY.
Key finder from notes.
Pick the notes you know. Discover the keys they fit. Then listen for the one that feels like home.
Free · No signup01 Choose your notes
Tap a key to select it; tap again to remove it. Sharps and flats share a key.
02 Explore matching keys
—Choose some notes to see compatible keys.
Start with a note.
More notes, more clues. Tap the piano or try “All white keys” above.
HEAR IT ON THE PIANO
These are compatible scales, not a definitive key detection. Tonic, harmony and phrase endings provide the missing context.
FROM NOTES TO MUSIC
Same notes. Different home.
C major and A minor share all seven white keys. The difference is how the melody and harmony settle around a tonic. Treat the matches as a starting point, then let your ears help.
Learn about scales and practice →How do I find a key from notes?
Select the notes in your melody, or type names such as C D E F#. The finder compares all 12 major and 12 natural minor scales and lists those containing every selected pitch class. Octave numbers do not change the matches.
Why do several keys match the same notes?
A note set does not tell us which note feels like home. C D E F G A B fits both C major and A natural minor. A smaller set fits even more scales. Add notes, or choose a known tonic, to narrow the list.
Is the tonic always the first note?
No. The tonic is the tonal centre, not necessarily the first or lowest note. Leave it unknown unless you have evidence from phrase endings, harmony or listening.
Can I upload audio or sheet music?
This tool uses notes you select or type. It does not read recordings, MIDI files or sheet-music images. It checks major and natural minor scale membership, not rhythm, harmonic function, modulation or other modes.
Why are there no matching keys?
Your notes may not all belong to one major or natural minor scale. Chromatic notes, harmonic minor, other modes or modulation can cause this. A tonic filter can also exclude matches. Check the input or clear the filter.