6-plus-6-instruments facts for kids
Imagine a special kind of musical instrument where playing different notes feels super easy! These are called 6-plus-6 instruments. They are designed in a unique way to make learning and playing music simpler.
Most musical instruments, like a piano, have 12 different notes in each octave. On a 6-plus-6 instrument, these 12 notes are arranged in a clever pattern. Instead of one long line of keys, they have two rows of keys or cords. This special layout helps musicians play more easily.
How 6-plus-6 Instruments Work
The keys on a 6-plus-6 instrument are set up in a very smart way.
- In each of the two rows, the distance between one note and the next is a whole-tone. A whole-tone is like skipping one key on a piano.
- The distance between a key in the top row and the key directly below it in the bottom row is a half-tone. A half-tone is the smallest step in music, like moving from a white key to the very next black key on a piano.
This special arrangement means that the pattern of notes repeats in a very helpful way.
Why This Design is Cool
The best part about 6-plus-6 instruments is that they make playing music much simpler.
- Because of how the keys are spaced, you can use the exact same finger pattern to play a musical scale in many different keys.
- This means if you learn how to play a C major scale, you can use the same hand shape and finger movements to play a D major scale, an E major scale, and so on, just by moving your hand up or down the keyboard.
- This makes it easier to learn new songs and play in different musical keys without having to learn completely new fingerings.
The Janko Keyboard Example
One famous example of a 6-plus-6 instrument is a piano with a Janko keyboard.
- This special piano keyboard was invented by Paul von Janko in 1882.
- It has not just two, but often three or even more rows of keys.
- These extra rows are set up so that the first row is repeated further up the keyboard.
- This design allows musicians to use the same finger patterns for all 12 different musical scales.
- It also makes it easier to play chords and reach wide notes because the keys are closer together.
