Definition of Clef
A clef (from French: clef 'key') is a musical symbol used to indicate which notes are represented by the lines and spaces on a musical staff. Placing a clef on a staff assigns a particular pitch to one of the five lines or four spaces, which defines the pitches on the remaining lines and spaces.
The three clef symbols used in modern music notation are the G-clef, F-clef, and C-clef. Placing these clefs on a line fixes a reference note to that line—an F-clef fixes the F below middle C, a C-clef fixes middle C, and a G-clef fixes the G above middle C. In modern music notation, the G-clef is most frequently seen as treble clef (placing G4 on the second line of the staff), and the F-clef as bass clef (placing F3 on the fourth line). The C-clef is mostly encountered as alto clef (placing middle C on the third line) or tenor clef (middle C on the fourth line). A clef may be placed on a space instead of a line, but this is rare.
Related terms
Incomposite interval
An incomposite interval (Ancient Greek: διάστημα ἀσύνθετον; German: ungeteilte…
Saptak
Saptak means "gamut" or "the series of seven notes". It denotes the set of swaras i.e…
Minor third
In music theory, a minor third is a musical interval that encompasses three half steps…
Regular tuning
Among alternative guitar-tunings, regular tunings have equal musical intervals between…
Picardy third
A Picardy third, (; French: tierce picarde) also known as a Picardy cadence or Tierce de…
Major seventh
In music from Western culture, a seventh is a musical interval encompassing seven staff…
Musical note
In music, notes are distinct and isolatable sounds that act as the most basic building…
Circle of thirds
In music theory, the circle of thirds, also known as the cycle of thirds, is a way of…
Diatonic and chromatic
Diatonic and chromatic are terms in music theory that are used to characterize scales…
Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- C in Treble or Bass Clef · Music SE
- Is there a Relative Pitch Clef? · Music SE
- Is there a legitimate reason why a C-Clef could ever be used in piano music? · Music SE
- How can I learn to read bass clef score more naturally? · Music SE
- What do the smaller notes in the Treble Clef indicate? · Music SE
- Why use 5 or more ledger lines below the bass clef instead of ottava bassa lines for piano sheet music? · Music SE
Frequently asked questions
What is Clef?
A clef (from French: clef 'key') is a musical symbol used to indicate which notes are represented by the lines and spaces on a musical staff.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Clef – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Guy vandegrift – CC BY-SA 4.0