Clefs and Note Naming

On this page we cover the clefs and how to name notes in each clef. The topics we cover are:

For a quick overview of all of the basics of music notation here is a video that explains it in 5 minutes. The earlier part is particularly relevant to the concept covered on this page, Clefs and Note Naming!

The Stave

Music notation is notated on what is called a stave (also known as a staff). A stave consists of 5 horizontal lines as shown below.

The Treble clef

The treble clef is a musical symbol that indicates the notes within the stave. It is also known as the ‘G’ clef as it indicates where the G line is and looks like a stylised G. Below is a diagram and a video demonstrating the process of drawing a treble clef.

The Notes on the Treble Clef

Here are the notes in the treble clef. You will notice that they consist of the first 7 letters of the alphabet and repeat.

To remember the names of the notes we remember two rhymes. One for the lines and one for the spaces.

And…

So for the lines Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit

And the spaces FACE in the Space

Top Tip: When we are identifying notes we use capital letters. i.e. B not b

The Bass Clef

The bass clef is a music symbol that indicates the notes within the stave. It is also known as the ‘F’ clef as it indicates where the F line is. Below is a diagram and a video demonstrating the process of drawing a bass clef.

The notes of the bass clef

Here are the notes in the bass clef. You will notice that they consist of the first 7 letters of the alphabet and repeat.

To remember the names of the notes we remember two rhymes. One for the lines and one for the spaces.

And…

 So for the lines Give Boys Detention Friday Afternoon

And for the spaces All Cows Eat Grass

The Alto Clef

The alto clef is known as the ‘C’ clef. This is because the centre of the clef comes from the C line. You can see a diagram of an alto clef and how to draw one below.


Note naming game

  • Click here to go to the game
  • In the settings you can change the note range, the clef and select whether you include sharps, flats and naturals (accidentals)