The Treble Clef
The treble clef (G clef) marks the second line as G4. It is used for higher-pitched instruments — violin, flute, trumpet, guitar, and the right hand of the piano.
| Lines (bottom → top) | Spaces (bottom → top) |
|---|---|
| E – G – B – D – F | F – A – C – E |
| Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge | FACE |
Remember: Middle C (C4) sits on the first ledger line below the treble staff.
The Bass Clef
The bass clef (F clef) marks the fourth line as F3. It is used for lower-pitched instruments — cello, double bass, bassoon, trombone, and the left hand of the piano.
| Lines (bottom → top) | Spaces (bottom → top) |
|---|---|
| G – B – D – F – A | A – C – E – G |
| Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always | All Cows Eat Grass |
Remember: Middle C (C4) sits on the first ledger line above the bass staff — directly below where it sits in the treble clef.
The Grand Staff
Piano music uses a grand staff — treble and bass clefs joined together by a brace. Middle C sits on a ledger line between the two staves, shared by both. The right hand reads treble; the left hand reads bass.
Ledger Lines
Ledger lines are short extra lines added above or below the staff to extend its range. Notes above or below the five main lines sit on or between ledger lines. Middle C is the most common ledger line note to know.