The Staff & Clefs
Learn how lines and spaces translate into musical pitch on the grand staff.
The Musical Staff
The staff is the foundation of written music. It consists of five parallel lines and four spaces. Notes can be placed on a line or in a space. The higher the note on the staff, the higher the pitch.
F
D
B
G
E
E
C
A
F
đ
Used for higher-pitched instruments like guitar, violin, flute, and the right hand of the piano. The swirl curls around the G line.
Treble Clef Mnemonics
Lines (E G B D F)
Every Good Boy Does Fine
Spaces (F A C E)
Spells the word "FACE"
Bass Clef Mnemonics
Lines (G B D F A)
Good Boys Do Fine Always
Spaces (A C E G)
All Cows Eat Grass
Ledger Lines
When music goes higher or lower than the 5 lines of the staff, we use ledger lines. These are short, temporary lines drawn above or below the staff just for that specific note. Middle C, for instance, sits exactly between the Treble and Bass clefs on its own ledger line!