clef explained
theoryKLEF
A detailed guide to the symbols that establish pitch reference on the musical staff.
A clef is a symbol placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate which pitches the lines and spaces represent. The treble clef (G clef) curls around the second line, designating it as G above middle C — used for soprano, alto voices, violin, flute, trumpet, and the right hand of piano music. The bass clef (F clef) marks the fourth line as F below middle C — used for bass, cello, bassoon, trombone, tuba, and the left hand of piano music. The alto clef and tenor clef are C clefs that place middle C on different lines, used primarily by viola and cello. The choice of clef keeps most notes within the staff, minimising the need for ledger lines. Without a clef, the staff's lines and spaces have no defined pitch meaning.