Treble Clef

Instruments that are higher in pitch, such as flute, clarinet, trumpet and female singers for example read music written 
on the treble clef. Remember to always be on your best behavior so you can stay out of treble!

Lesson Objectives

The learner will be able to understand the function of the treble clef.

The learner will be able to identify note names of pitches on the treble clef including ledger lines above and below the staff.

Materials Needed

1. Manuscript Paper. Click here to print: File:Staffpaper.pdf.

2. Pencil

What is a Clef?

A clef is a sign placed at the beginning of a musical staff to determine the pitch of the notes.

Treble Clef

How to draw a Treble Clef

1. Place your pencil slightly above the staff. Draw the letter J that extends below the music staff. Place a small dot at the end.

2. To form the top loop draw the letter D that extends from the top of the J to the bottom of the 4th staff line.

3. To draw the left loop, draw the letter C that extends to the fourth line.

4. To draw the right loop, continue your line around to the third space line.

5. Finish your circle by ending on the second space line.

Note: Another name for the Treble Clef is the "G Clef". It is named this because the clef encircles the second line (or note G) of the staff.

Treble Clef Notes

Spaces of the Treble Clef Spell F A C E (starting from the first space and moving up).

→View Video: FACE

The lines of the Treble Clef Rhyme: Every Good BoyDoes Fine or Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge

→View Video: Every Good Boy Does Fine

Discussion: Come up with your own mnemonic device for the treble clef

Now is your own opportunity to come up with your own mnemonic device(saying or rhyme) to remember the lines and spaces. Using the discussion tab at the top, add an example for both the lines and the spaces of the treble clef!

Ledger Lines

What happens when you run out of space on the staff? Ledger Lines are the answer to our problem! A ledger line is a small line that is used to extend the upper and lower ranges of the staff. The following shows examples of notes that can be written above and below the staff using ledger lines.