Piano/Treble Clef and Bass Clef

Music is written in music notation. Music notation tells you what notes to play, and how long to play the notes. The notation is written on a staff, which comprises five lines and four spaces, on which are placed the notes. The higher the position on a staff, the higher the pitch, and vice versa.

On every staff there will be a symbol called a clef. Piano music is written in the bass and treble clefs, though other clefs are used in other instrumentation. The treble clef, or G clef, is used for the higher sounding notes, usually played with the right hand. The bass clef, or F clef, is used for the lower sounding notes, usually played with the left hand. When the two clefs are put together by a brace they are called a grand staff.

The treble clef, also called G clef. Notice how the lower part swirls around the second line from the bottom, the G line. A quarter note on G is also shown.

The bass clef, also called F clef. Notice how the two dots are placed above and below the F line.

The right hand plays the treble clef the left hand plays the bass clef.

The bass clef is also called the 'f' clef.