G1: frequency and where to play it

G1 at every common reference pitch

A note’s frequency depends on what A4 is tuned to. The standard is 440 Hz; the other three are the ones you are most likely to meet. The cents column is how far each one sits from the 440 version — the same for every note, because changing the reference moves the whole scale together.

One cycle of G1 lasts 20.408 ms, and its wavelength in air at 20 °C is 7.00 m. Hold it as a steady tone in the tone generator.

G1 on the piano

G1 is key 11 of 88, counting from the bottom — a white key. Press any key below to compare it with its neighbours.

G1 on the guitar

G1 is below the guitar’s lowest note, the open low E (E2), so a guitar in standard tuning cannot play it.

G1 on the staff

Instruments that can play G1

8 instruments play G1 within the normal range, and 2 reach it only at the extreme of theirs. Each links to its range chart; for a transposing instrument, the note on its part is shown.

Only at the extreme of their range

• Harp
• Euphonium

G1 is outside the typical range of all six voice types. Test your own range.

The harmonics of G1

A played G1 is not one frequency. A string or a pipe also sounds whole-number multiples of it, and the mix of those harmonics is the instrument’s tone. Here is where the first eight land — and why the 7th sounds out of tune against a piano.

Frequencies that land on G1

• 50 Hz — mains hum in Europe and most of the world

Frequently asked questions

Typing it? G1 is also written G1. Convert any frequency on the Hz-to-note converter.