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Note Block

Note Block

A note block is a block that emits sounds when attacked, used, or powered. The sound produced can be altered in various ways by using it or putting…

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Blocks Stackable resources Renewable resources Manufactured blocks Utility blocks Redstone Mechanisms
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Contents (34)
  1. Obtaining
  2. Breaking
  3. Natural generation
  4. Crafting
  5. Usage
  6. Playing music
  7. Sound propagation radius
  8. Redstone
  9. Allay interactions
  10. Fuel
  11. Sounds
  12. Data values
  13. ID
  14. Block states
  15. Block data
  16. Sound events
  17. Achievements
  18. Advancements
  19. Videos
  20. History
  21. Java Edition
  22. Bedrock Edition
  23. Legacy Console Edition
  24. New Nintendo 3DS Edition
  25. Data history
  26. Issues
  27. Trivia
  28. Gallery
  29. Screenshots
  30. Concept art
  31. In other media
  32. See also
  33. References
  34. External links
This article is about the block that produces single musical notes. For the block that plays music discs, see Jukebox.
Note Block
Note Block.png: Infobox image for Minecraft block 'Note Block'
Invicon Note Block.png: Inventory sprite for Note Block in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Note Block
Renewable Yes
Stackable Yes (64)
Tool
Blast resistance 0.8
Hardness 0.8
Luminous No
Transparent No
Flammable No
Catches fire
from lava
Yes
Map color
 13 WOOD
Note block instrument Bass

A note block is a block that emits sounds when attacked, used, or powered. The sound produced can be altered in various ways by using it or putting certain blocks directly above or below it. Allays are affected by note blocks, staying nearby and dropping held items next to it for a short while upon hearing its sound.

Obtaining

Breaking

Note blocks are most quickly broken with an axe.

Block Note Block
Hardness 0.8
Tool
Breaking time (sec)[A]
Default 1.2 (JE)
1.2 (BE)
ItemSprite wooden-axe.png: Sprite image for wooden-axe in MinecraftWooden 0.6 (JE)
0.6 (BE)
ItemSprite stone-axe.png: Sprite image for stone-axe in MinecraftStone 0.3 (JE)
0.3 (BE)
ItemSprite copper-axe.png: Sprite image for copper-axe in MinecraftCopper 0.25 (JE)
0.25 (BE)
ItemSprite iron-axe.png: Sprite image for iron-axe in MinecraftIron 0.2 (JE)
0.2 (BE)
ItemSprite diamond-axe.png: Sprite image for diamond-axe in MinecraftDiamond 0.15 (JE)
0.15 (BE)
ItemSprite netherite-axe.png: Sprite image for netherite-axe in MinecraftNetherite 0.15 (JE)
0.15 (BE)
ItemSprite golden-axe.png: Sprite image for golden-axe in MinecraftGolden 0.1 (JE)
0.1 (BE)
Legend
  • incorrect tool, drops nothing
  • correct tool, drops nothing or something other than the block itself
  • correct tool, drops the block itself
  • italicized can be instant mined
  1. ↑ These durations ignore any other influential factors (e.g., Mining Fatigue) and are measured in seconds. For more information, see Breaking § Mining efficiency.

Natural generation

Two note blocks generate in the ice_box_1 structure in ancient cities.

Crafting

Ingredients Crafting recipe
Any Planks +
Redstone Dust
Invicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped PlanksInvicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped PlanksInvicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped PlanksInvicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped PlanksInvicon Redstone Dust.png: Inventory sprite for Redstone Dust in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Redstone Dust with description: Redstone DustInvicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped PlanksInvicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped PlanksInvicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped PlanksInvicon Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oak Planks with description: Oak PlanksInvicon Spruce Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Spruce Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Spruce Planks with description: Spruce PlanksInvicon Birch Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Birch Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Birch Planks with description: Birch PlanksInvicon Jungle Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Jungle Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Jungle Planks with description: Jungle PlanksInvicon Acacia Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Acacia Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Acacia Planks with description: Acacia PlanksInvicon Dark Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Dark Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Dark Oak Planks with description: Dark Oak PlanksInvicon Mangrove Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Mangrove Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Mangrove Planks with description: Mangrove PlanksInvicon Cherry Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Cherry Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cherry Planks with description: Cherry PlanksInvicon Pale Oak Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Pale Oak Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pale Oak Planks with description: Pale Oak PlanksInvicon Poplar Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Poplar Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Poplar Planks with description: Poplar PlanksInvicon Bamboo Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Bamboo Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Bamboo Planks with description: Bamboo PlanksInvicon Crimson Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Crimson Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Crimson Planks with description: Crimson PlanksInvicon Warped Planks.png: Inventory sprite for Warped Planks in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Warped Planks with description: Warped Planks
Invicon Note Block.png: Inventory sprite for Note Block in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Note Block

Usage

Playing music

Notes

A note block being triggered and playing a note

A note block produces a sound and spawns a colored eighth note particle whenever any of the following conditions are met:

A note block must have either air or a mob head in the space directly above it to play a sound, though using a silenced note block will still change its pitch. Note block sounds can be heard from up to 48 blocks away, and can be independently controlled by the Jukebox/Note Blocks slider in the audio settings.

Each time a note block plays a sound, an eighth note particle will appear from the top. The color of the particle depends on the pitch of the note block. Note particles do not appear for silenced note blocks or mob head instruments.

Excluding mob heads, there are 16 different instruments and 25 different pitches per instrument (a total of 400 notes with different sounds). Using a note block increases the instrument's pitch up a semitone, with a total of two full octaves (24 semitones in total) being available for each instrument. The standard range (for harp and pling instruments) of notes spans from F♯3 to F♯5. After reaching the highest note (24 presses of the use button), pressing use again (25th press of the use button) resets the pitch back to F♯3, as does breaking the block. The note block's pitch is ignored for player heads and the six mob heads.

The string bass and didgeridoo are two octaves (24 semitones) lower than the standard range, the guitar is one octave (12 semitones) lower than the standard range, the flute is one octave above the standard range, and the bell, chime, and xylophone are 2 octaves above the standard range. This gives six octaves (72 semitones) of effective range to combine instruments for greater pitch coverage.

The exact pitch can be found from its use-count by using the following formula: 2 ^ ((use count - 12) / 12).

The exact pitch to use-count assignment is shown below,[1][2] along with the note's color, which is rendered with shading using the particle's texture.

Pitch

(Octave 1)

Use count Pitch (/playsound) Color (hex)
F♯/G♭- Fi/Se 0 0.5
 #59E800
G - Sol 1 2^(-11/12) ≈ 0.529732
 #82CE00
G♯/A♭- Si/Le 2 2^(-10/12) ≈ 0.561231
 #ACAC00
A - La 3 2^(-9/12) ≈ 0.594604
 #CE8400
A♯/B♭- Li/Te 4 2^(-8/12) ≈ 0.629961
 #E85900
B - Ti 5 2^(-7/12) ≈ 0.667420
 #F92E00
C - Do 6 2^(-6/12) ≈ 0.707107
 #FF0606
C♯/D♭- Di/Ra 7 2^(-5/12) ≈ 0.749154
 #F9002E
D - Re 8 2^(-4/12) ≈ 0.793701
 #E80059
D♯/E♭- Ri/Me 9 2^(-3/12) ≈ 0.840896
 #CE0082
E - Mi 10 2^(-2/12) ≈ 0.890899
 #AC00AC
F - Fa 11 2^(-1/12) ≈ 0.943874
 #8200CE
Pitch

(Octave 2)

Use count Pitch (/playsound) Color (hex)
F♯/G♭- Fi/Se 12 1.0
 #5900E8
G - Sol 13 2^(1/12) ≈ 1.059463
 #2E00F9
G♯/A♭- Si/Le 14 2^(2/12) ≈ 1.122462
 #0606FF
A - La 15 2^(3/12) ≈ 1.189207
 #002EF9
A♯/B♭- Li/Te 16 2^(4/12) ≈ 1.259921
 #0059E8
B - Ti 17 2^(5/12) ≈ 1.334840
 #0082CE
C - Do 18 2^(6/12) ≈ 1.414214
 #00ACAC
C♯/D♭- Di/Ra 19 2^(7/12) ≈ 1.498307
 #00CE82
D - Re 20 2^(8/12) ≈ 1.587401
 #00E859
D♯/E♭- Ri/Me 21 2^(9/12) ≈ 1.681793
 #00F92E
E - Mi 22 2^(10/12) ≈ 1.781797
 #06FF06
F - Fa 23 2^(11/12) ≈ 1.887749
 #2EF900
F♯/G♭- Fi/Se 24 2.0
 #59E800

Alternatively, there is a graphical version available:

The current pitch of a note block can be roughly estimated by attacking it and looking at the color of the note particle.

In Java Edition, the tuning can also be checked by looking at the debug screen (accessed by pressing F3). It is denoted as "note:" followed by a number from 0 to 24.

Instruments

"Instrument" redirects here. For the definition of item instruments in data packs, see Instrument definition.

The instrument played depends on the block placed directly underneath the note block. In Bedrock Edition this can be configured by the block component minecraft:instrument_sound.

Block Instrument Range
BlockSprite logs.png: Sprite image for logs in Minecraft Wood-related blocks Bass F♯1–F♯3
BlockSprite sand.png: Sprite image for sand in Minecraft Sand/Gravel Snare Drum —
BlockSprite glass.png: Sprite image for glass in Minecraft Glass-related blocks Hat (Hi-hat click) —
BlockSprite stone.png: Sprite image for stone in Minecraft Stone-related blocks

Bedrock Edition & Minecraft Education exclusive

Bass Drum —
Block of Gold Bell (Glockenspiel) F♯5–F♯7
Flute F♯4–F♯6
Chime F♯5–F♯7
Guitar (Harpsichord) F♯2–F♯4
Bone Block Xylophone F♯5–F♯7
Block of Iron Iron Xylophone (Vibraphone) F♯3–F♯5
Soul Sand Cow Bell F♯4–F♯6
Pumpkin Didgeridoo F♯1–F♯3
Block of Emerald Bit (Synthesizer, Clarinet) F♯3–F♯5
Hay Bale Banjo F♯3–F♯5
Glowstone Pling (60's E. piano) F♯3–F♯5
Block of Copper and its variants Trumpet F♯3–F♯5
Exposed Copper and its variants Exposed Trumpet (Distorted Trumpet, Cornet) F♯3–F♯5
Weathered Copper and its variants Weathered Trumpet (Trombone) F♯2–F♯4
Oxidized Copper and its variants Oxidized Trumpet (Distorted Trombone, Euphonium) F♯2–F♯4
BlockSprite air.png: Sprite image for air in Minecraft Any other blocks, including air Harp (Piano) F♯3–F♯5

Mob heads must be placed on top of the note block. Mob head instruments take priority over block instruments, and play the corresponding mob's ambient sound, except for creeper heads, which instead trigger the primed sound. Mob head sounds are not affected by the note block's pitch.

Mob heads Instrument
Skeleton Skull Skeleton rattle
Wither Skeleton Skull Wither skeleton rattle
Player Head Sound effect set in [String] note_block_sound, silent by default.
Zombie Head Zombie moan
Creeper Head Creeper hiss
Piglin Head Piglin snort
Dragon Head Ender dragon roar

Sound propagation radius

A representation of Minecraft's noteblock sound propagation. In red, the sound that reaches the player; in yellow the sound that activates warden tendril; and in blue the sound that activates sculk sensors.

The sound of note blocks reaches different radii depending on the target:

  • Players can hear a note block being activated up to a radius of 48 blocks.
  • Wardens and allays can hear a note block being activated up to a radius of 16 blocks.
  • Sculk sensors can detect a note block being activated up to a radius of 8 blocks.

Redstone

Activating note blocks

A pair of note blocks wired to a clock circuit to play alternately

Note blocks can be activated in a variety of different ways, following normal redstone principles. Note blocks conduct redstone power, which means they activate blocks next to them when directly powered, including other note blocks.

In Java Edition, after activating a note block or changing its pitch (via use), the change is treated as a block state change. This immediately plays the sound and generates a block update detectable by both observers and block update detectors (BUDs). An observer facing a note block will trigger whenever the note block is used, powered by redstone, or its instrument/pitch changes. Because note blocks conduct power, they can be integrated into complex observer-based circuits as conditional triggers or signal routers.

In Bedrock Edition, due to a known bug,[4] activating a note block or changing its pitch (via use) does not trigger a block update, meaning neither observers nor BUDs can detect the change. This occurs because pitch and instrument data are stored as block entity data, which updates independently of the main world loop. In circuits requiring a redstone-triggered or manually activated block updates (e.g., flying machines), bells are often used as substitutes in most situations.

Sculk detection

Note blocks emit vibrations detectable by sculk sensors. A calibrated sculk sensor tuned to signal strength 10 detects a note playing.

In Bedrock Edition, sculk sensors provide the only reliable method of detecting both note block activations and pitch changes for redstone, since observers and BUDs cannot register these events.

Allay interactions

If an allay hears a note block play within 16 blocks of its location, it pathfinds to it. It then spends 30 seconds near that note block, seeking items and dropping them near the note block instead of its player. After 30 seconds, the allay returns to targeting its player unless the note block is played again. A vibration particle emanates from the note block and reaches the allay to indicate the allay has locked onto it. Placing wool between the note block and the allay prevents this interaction. Allays ignore note blocks which do not make sounds, with the exception of note blocks with player heads on top.

Fuel

Note blocks can be used as fuel in furnaces, smelting 1.5 items per block.

Sounds

Java Edition:

BlockSprite oak-planks.png: Sprite image for oak-planks in Minecraft wood sound type
SoundClosed captionsSourceDescriptionIdentifierTranslation keyVolumePitchAttenuation
distance
​Block brokenBlocksOnce the block has brokenblock.wood.breaksubtitles.block.generic.break​1.00.816
​Block placed​[until: JE 26.4]BlocksWhen the block is placedblock.wood.placesubtitles.block.generic.place​1.00.816
​Block breakingBlocksWhile the block is in the process of being brokenblock.wood.hitsubtitles.block.generic.hit​0.250.516
​Something falls on a blockEntity-DependentFalling on the block with fall damageblock.wood.fallsubtitles.block.generic.fall​0.50.7516
​FootstepsEntity-DependentWalking on the blockblock.wood.stepsubtitles.block.generic.footsteps​0.151.016

Bedrock Edition:

BlockSprite oak-planks.png: Sprite image for oak-planks in Minecraft wood sound type
SoundClosed captionsSourceDescriptionIdentifierTranslation keyVolumePitch
​Block brokenBlocksOnce the block has brokendig.woodsubtitles.block.generic.break​1.00.8–1.0
​Block placedBlocksWhen the block is placedplace.woodsubtitles.block.generic.place​1.00.8
​Axe stripsBlocksWhen an axe strips a log or wood block [sound 1]use.woodsubtitles.block.generic.hit​1.00.8
​Block breakingBlocksWhile the block is in the process of being brokenhit.woodsubtitles.block.generic.hit​0.230.5
​FootstepsPlayersFalling on the block with fall damagefall.woodsubtitles.block.generic.footsteps​0.41.0
​FootstepsPlayersWalking on the blockstep.woodsubtitles.block.generic.footsteps​0.31.0
​FootstepsBlocksJumping from the blockjump.woodsubtitles.block.generic.footsteps​0.121.0
​FootstepsBlocksFalling on the block without fall damageland.woodsubtitles.block.generic.footsteps​0.181.0

Data values

ID

Java Edition:

NameIdentifierForm Translation key
BlockSprite note-block.png: Sprite image for note-block in Minecraft Note Blocknote_blockBlock & Item block.minecraft.note_block

Bedrock Edition:

NameIdentifierNumeric ID FormItem ID[i 1] Translation key
BlockSprite note-block.png: Sprite image for note-block in Minecraft Note Blocknoteblock25Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3] tile.noteblock.name
  1. ↑ ID of block's direct item form, which is used in savegame files and addons.
  2. ↑ Available with /give command.
  3. ↑ The block's direct item form has the same ID as the block.
NameSavegame ID
BlockSprite note-block.png: Sprite image for note-block in Minecraft Block entityMusic

Block states

See also: Block states

Java Edition:

Name Default value Allowed values Description
instrumentharpbanjo
basedrum
bass
bell
bit
chime
cow_bell
creeper
custom_head
didgeridoo
dragon
flute
guitar
harp
hat
iron_xylophone
piglin
pling
skeleton
snare
trumpet
trumpet_exposed
trumpet_oxidized
trumpet_weathered
wither_skeleton
xylophone
zombie
The instrument of the note block.
note00
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
The pitch of the note block
poweredfalsefalse
true
True if the note block is currently activated.

Block data

In Bedrock Edition, a note block has a block entity associated with it that holds additional data about the block.

See Bedrock Edition level format/Block entity format#Note Block.

Sound events

This table maps each note block sound to its internal sound event name in both editions for use with commands (such as /playsound) and resource pack creators. For Java Edition, the instrument block state value is also provided. in Bedrock Edition this can be configured by the block component minecraft:instrument_sound.

Instrument / Sound Java instrument value Java Edition sound event Bedrock Edition sound event
Block instruments
No sound None None note.none
Bass Guitar bass block.note_block.bass note.bassattack
Snare Drum snare block.note_block.snare note.snare
Hi-hat Click hat block.note_block.hat note.hat
Bass Drum basedrum block.note_block.basedrum note.bd
Bell (Glockenspiel) bell block.note_block.bell note.bell
Flute flute block.note_block.flute note.flute
Chime chime block.note_block.chime note.chime
Guitar guitar block.note_block.guitar note.guitar
Xylophone xylophone block.note_block.xylophone note.xylophone
Iron Xylophone (Vibraphone) iron_xylophone block.note_block.iron_xylophone note.iron_xylophone
Cow Bell cow_bell block.note_block.cow_bell note.cow_bell
Didgeridoo didgeridoo block.note_block.didgeridoo note.didgeridoo
Bit (Clarinet/Synthesizer) bit block.note_block.bit note.bit
Banjo banjo block.note_block.banjo note.banjo
Pling (60's E. piano) pling block.note_block.pling note.pling
Trumpet trumpet block.note_block.trumpet note.trumpet
Exposed Trumpet (Distorted Trumpet) trumpet_exposed block.note_block.trumpet_exposed note.trumpet_exposed
Weathered Trumpet (Trombone) trumpet_weathered block.note_block.trumpet_weathered note.trumpet_weathered
Oxidized Trumpet (Distorted Trombone) trumpet_oxidized block.note_block.trumpet_oxidized note.trumpet_oxidized
Harp (Piano) harp block.note_block.harp note.harp
Mob head instruments
Skeleton Skull (rattle) skeleton block.note_block.imitate.skeleton note.skeleton
Wither Skeleton Skull (rattle) wither_skeleton block.note_block.imitate.wither_skeleton note.witherskeleton
Zombie Head (moan) zombie block.note_block.imitate.zombie note.zombie
Creeper Head (hiss) creeper block.note_block.imitate.creeper note.creeper
Piglin Head (snort) piglin block.note_block.imitate.piglin note.piglin
Dragon Head (roar) dragon block.note_block.imitate.ender_dragon note.enderdragon
Player Head custom_head Silent by default; set using note_block_sound NBT Silent by default

Achievements

IconAchievementIn-game descriptionActual requirements (if different)Gamerscore earnedTrophy type (PS)
PS4Other
Birthday SongHave an Allay drop a cake at a note blockTame an allay by giving it a cake while having dropped cake items and play a note block nearby.10Bronze

Advancements

IconAdvancementIn-game descriptionActual requirements (if different)
Birthday SongHave an Allay drop a Cake at a Note BlockHave an allay that is holding a cake previously given to it by the player throw any other cake on a note block.
This is a hidden advancement, meaning that it can be viewed by the player only after completing it, regardless of if its child advancement(s), if any, have been completed.

Videos

History

Java Edition

Java Edition Beta
1.2 Added note blocks.
Note blocks have 5 instruments: "Harp", "Bass", "Bass drum", "Snare drum", "Click".
"Pling" is also added in the sound files, but is currently unused.
Java Edition
1.0.0Beta 1.9 Prerelease 6 Note blocks are now broken faster using an axe.
1.2.4 Spruce planks, birch planks, and jungle planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
1.7.21.7.1 Acacia planks and dark oak planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
1.8.2pre1 Added "Note blocks played" and "Note blocks tuned" to statistics
1.915w34a The power state of note blocks is now controlled through the powered tag, and therefore can now be controlled independently of any redstone signal.
15w47a Note blocks now use wood sounds rather than stone sounds.
1.1116w32a The block entity ID of note blocks has been changed from Music to noteblock.
1.1217w16a Added sound events (but not the sounds themselves) for additional instruments (bell, chime, flute, guitar, xylophone) to note blocks.
17w17a Added sounds for additional instruments to note blocks.
1.1317w47a The ID has been changed from noteblock to note_block.
Note blocks are no longer block entities and instead are defined by the note, powered, and instrument block states.
Prior to The Flattening, this block's numeral ID was 25.
Note blocks can now be pushed by pistons.
1.1418w43a The texture of note blocks has been changed.
19w09a Added sounds to note blocks for additional instruments (iron xylophone, cow bell, didgeridoo, bit, banjo), and implemented the "Pling" instrument into the game.
1.1620w06a Crimson planks and warped planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
20w13a Nether wood planks now produce the bass sound instead of the harp sound.
1.1922w11a Mangrove planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
22w13a Note blocks now generate as part of ancient cities.
Note blocks can now be silenced only with wool or carpets on top.
Note blocks now attract allays.
22w14a Added the hidden advancement "Birthday Song", which is rewarded by having an allay drop a cake at a note block.
22w15a The change to note block silencing mentioned above for 22w13a has now been reverted.
22w17a Note blocks now emit a vibration particle when attracting an allay.
1.19.3
Experiment
Update 1.20
22w42a Bamboo planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
22w46a When placing a mob head on a note block, that note block will now play one of the ambient sounds of that mob when played.
1.19.4
Experiment
Update 1.20
23w03a Heads can now be placed on note blocks without sneaking.
23w07a Cherry planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
1.2023w12a The mob head changes are no longer behind the experimental toggle.
1.21.2
Experiment
Winter Drop
24w40a Pale oak planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
26.1snap7 Added the "Trumpet", "Exposed Trumpet (Distorted Trumpet)", "Weathered Trumpet (Trombone)", and "Oxidized Trumpet (Distorted Trombone)" instruments.
Note blocks placed on Copper Blocks, Chiseled Copper, Cut Copper, Cut Copper Stairs, and Cut Copper Slabs now play trumpet sounds instead of harp.
snap11 Updated the trumpet sound assets.
26.3snap1 Poplar planks can now be used to craft note blocks.

Bedrock Edition

Pocket Edition Alpha
v0.13.0build 1 Added note blocks.
Five instruments are available: Harp, Bass, Bass drum, Snare drum, Click.
build 3 Note blocks can now be activated by redstone.
v0.15.0build 1 Note blocks can now be moved by pistons.
Bedrock Edition
1.10.0beta 1.10.0.3 The texture of note blocks has been changed.
1.13.0beta 1.13.0.9 Added all new note block sounds from Java Edition 1.12 and 1.14.
Note blocks with glowstone underneath now produce the "pling" sound instead of "hat".
1.18.30
Experiment
Wild Update
Preview 1.18.30.23 A note block played near an allay becomes its favorite note block for 30 seconds.
Placing a block on top of a note block no longer mutes it, with the exception of wool blocks.
1.19.0Preview 1.19.0.27 Reverted the change made in beta 1.18.30.22 in which only wool would block sounds.
Note blocks now generate in ancient cities.
1.19.60
Experiment
Next Major Update
Preview 1.19.60.20 Heads can now be placed on note blocks to play the respective mob sound.
Preview 1.19.60.25 Heads can now be placed on note blocks without sneaking.
1.20.0Preview 1.20.0.21 The mob head changes are no longer behind the experimental toggle.
1.20.10Preview 1.20.10.20 Note blocks with soul soil underneath now produce the "harp" sound instead of "snare".
1.21.50Preview 1.21.50.20 Pale oak planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
Note blocks placed on Heavy Core now play the snare sound instead of harp.
26.10Preview 26.10.23 Added the "Trumpet", "Exposed Trumpet (Distorted Trumpet)", "Weathered Trumpet (Trombone)", and "Oxidized Trumpet (Distorted Trombone)" instruments.
Note blocks placed on Copper Blocks, Cut Copper, and Chiseled Copper now play trumpet sounds instead of harp.
26.20Preview 26.20.20 Note blocks placed on Cut Copper Slabs and Cut Copper Stairs now also play trumpet sounds.
26.30Preview 26.30.25 Tuned trumpet sound assets for all trumpets so that they are in tune with other note block variants.[5]
26.30
Experiment
Upcoming Creator Features
Preview 26.30.29 Added the component minecraft:instrument_sound. It can be used to assign an instrument to "up" and "down" faces of a custom block; all current instruments can be used to define a sound.

Legacy Console Edition

Legacy Console Edition
Xbox 360Xbox OnePS3PS4PS VitaWii USwitch
TU1CU11.001.001.00Patch 11.0.1 Added note blocks.
TU9 Spruce planks and birch planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
TU12 Jungle planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
TU25CU141.171.171.17 Acacia planks and dark oak planks can now be used to craft note blocks.
TU53CU431.491.501.49Patch 231.0.3 Added new note block sounds.
1.90 The texture of note blocks has been changed.

New Nintendo 3DS Edition

Data history

Java Edition
1.814w06a Note blocks now use the newly-implemented model json file models/block/cube.json; previously the geometry was defined in the game code itself.
1.915w34a The power state of note blocks is now controlled through the powered tag, and therefore can now be controlled independently of any redstone signal.
1.1116w32a The block entity ID of note blocks has been changed from Music to noteblock.
1.1317w47a The ID has been changed from noteblock to note_block.
Note blocks are no longer block entities and instead are defined by the note, powered, and instrument block states.
Prior to The Flattening, this block's numeral ID was 25.

Issues

Issues relating to "Note block" or "Noteblock" are maintained on the bug tracker. Issues should be reported and viewed there.

Trivia

  • Because a note block is a wooden-type block, a note block directly on top of another one produces a string bass sound when playing notes.
  • In Java Edition, note blocks have the highest number of possible block state combinations, at 1350, beating fire's 512 and redstone dust's 1296.

Screenshots

Concept art

In other media

See also

References

  1. ↑ Original chart by cookingfat
  2. ↑ Original /playsound pitch chart by kwerti
  3. ↑ MC-212976 – Parity issue: Note blocks placed above honeycomb blocks don't play the flute instrument
  4. ↑ MCPE-53919
  5. ↑ MCPE-237578

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How to craft Note Block
See the exact crafting recipe on a 3×3 grid, the ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
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