Free guide · By Ismail Farooq, founder · Updated
How do I play piano on a computer keyboard?
The answer
To play piano on a computer keyboard, open a virtual piano in your browser, such as the free SongUp AI Virtual Piano below. In the classic layout the keys 1–0, Q–P, A–L and Z–M play the white keys from C2 up to C7 (t is middle C), and holding Shift plays the black key above (T is C#4). Hold the space bar for the sustain pedal. Most computer keyboards can only play a few keys at once, so for chords and fast playing connect a MIDI keyboard or use touch.
At a glance
| Sound | Recorded grand piano (Salamander Grand Piano), plus guitar, violin, cello, flute and sax |
|---|---|
| Keys | 61, C2 to C7 |
| Play with | Computer keyboard (2 layouts), mouse, multi-touch, MIDI keyboard |
| Extras | Sustain, reverb, live chord names, recording, 11 songs to learn |
| Download | WAV, MP3 or MIDI of your recording |
Do it here: the free Virtual Piano
Open full pageClassic layout: the keys 1–0, Q–P, A–L and Z–M play the white keys from C2 to C7, Shift plays the black key above. It matches virtual piano sheets. Hold Space for the sustain pedal. On a phone, play with several fingers and slide across the keys; a key sounds louder the lower you press it.
Learn a song
The sheet shows the keys of the classic layout (capital letters and symbols mean Shift). All the songs here are in the public domain.
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Step by step
- 1
Open the free Virtual Piano
It is on this page and loads a recorded grand piano. Nothing to install.
- 2
Find middle C
Middle C is the key t in the Classic layout, or A in the Two rows layout. Turn on Keys labels to see each key’s letter.
- 3
Play
Letters play white keys, Shift plays black keys, Space is the sustain pedal.
- 4
Learn or record
Pick a song and press Play along, or press Record and download your take.
Tips
- Can’t press many keys at once? Many keyboards block some three-key combinations; use the mouse, touch or a MIDI keyboard for big chords.
- Use the Two rows layout if you are used to GarageBand or a DAW.
- Letter sheets with capital letters mean Shift.
Other free ways to do it
Checked 15 October 2026 on each tool’s own site. Free plans change, so check there before you rely on them.
| Tool | Free? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Piano (virtualpiano.net) | Yes, with ads | Popular online piano with a large library of letter sheets. |
| Chrome Music Lab | Yes | Simple music experiments for learning. |
Questions
Which key is middle C?
In the Classic (virtual piano sheet) layout middle C (C4) is t. In the Two rows layout it is A.
Can I use a sustain pedal?
Hold the space bar, use the Sustain button, or plug in a MIDI keyboard with a pedal.
Is it free?
Yes. Playing, recording and lessons are free; downloads need a free account.
Create music with SongUp AI. Publish it everywhere. Earn from your streams.
Related: Open the free Virtual Piano full page · Online Beat Maker: Make Beats Free in Your Browser · How do I write a chord progression for a song · All free music tools · All free how-to guides