The bass clef · Clefs · Music theory
The bass (F) clef is written on the fourth line, which becomes F3: the line between its two dots. It is the clef of the bass (and of the tenor in four-part…
The bass clef
The bass (F) clef is written on the fourth line, which becomes F3: the line between its two dots. It is the clef of the bass (and of the tenor in four-part harmony exercises), the cello, the double bass, the bassoon, the trombone and the pianist’s left hand.
Its lines are G2, B2, D3, F3 and A3, and its spaces A2, C3, E3 and G3. C4 sits just above, on the first ledger line: between the two clefs, as on the piano.
Who writes in bass clef
It is the clef of low sounds: cello, bassoon, trombone, tuba, timpani, the piano’s left hand and the bass voice. The double bass also uses it, sounding an octave lower than written.
Its two dots embrace the fourth line, that of F3: a quick way to remember it. Treble and bass clefs meet at middle C, one ledger line below one and above the other.