Bass clef Notes
The bass clef (the F clef) has two dots either side of the second line from the top, marking it as F below middle C. It is used for the left hand on the piano, and for cello, double bass, bassoon, trombone, tuba and lower voices.
All the notes in bass clef
Note names are shown for the natural notes. The octave number follows scientific pitch notation: middle C is C4.
Line and space notes
Lines: G B D F A ("Good Boys Do Fine Always"). Spaces: A C E G ("All Cows Eat Grass").
Landmark notes
Middle C is on a ledger line above the stave. F is the line between the two dots of the clef. C (low C) is in the second space up from the bottom, between the lines B and D.
Ledger-line notes
Notes beyond the five lines sit on short ledger lines. Below the stave: C2, D2, E2, F2. Above the stave: B3, C4, D4, E4. See ledger lines explained.
Note reference table
| Note | Where it sits |
|---|---|
| E4 | on a ledger line above the stave |
| D4 | in the space beside a ledger line above the stave |
| C4 | on a ledger line above the stave |
| B3 | in the space above the top line |
| A3 | on line 5 (counting from the bottom) |
| G3 | in space 4 (counting from the bottom) |
| F3 | on line 4 (counting from the bottom) |
| E3 | in space 3 (counting from the bottom) |
| D3 | on line 3 (counting from the bottom) |
| C3 | in space 2 (counting from the bottom) |
| B2 | on line 2 (counting from the bottom) |
| A2 | in space 1 (counting from the bottom) |
| G2 | on line 1 (counting from the bottom) |
| F2 | in the space below the bottom line |
| E2 | on a ledger line below the stave |
| D2 | in the space beside a ledger line below the stave |
| C2 | on a ledger line below the stave |
Practise bass clef notes
Open the note trainer and choose the bass clef. Start with the Landmarks level, then line notes, space notes and ledger lines.
Frequently asked questions
Which instruments read bass clef?
The bass clef is used for piano (left hand), cello, double bass, bassoon, trombone, tuba and lower voices.
How do I remember the notes?
Lines: G B D F A ("Good Boys Do Fine Always"). Spaces: A C E G ("All Cows Eat Grass").
Where is middle C?
Middle C is C4. In treble clef it is on the first ledger line below the stave; in bass clef it is on the first ledger line above the stave; in alto clef it is the centre line.