The Bass Clef

Ever wonder where the names of the bass clef came from?

Like the treble clef, the bass clef serves as a symbol to tell musicians how the notes will be organized on that particular staff.

If we look at the “Bass” or “F” clef, we can see there is a fancy symbol at the beginning of the staff. This symbol was created to point to the F note on the staff. This clef would be used for a collection of voice or instruments whose notes are in the lowest range for written music. It would be used for voice ranges including bass and others, and for a wide range of instruments including bass guitar, cello, double bass, bassoon, tuba, and many more. Some instruments, such as the piano, have such a wide range of notes that the music must be written for both the treble and bass clefs!

 The notes on the lines of the bass clef are G, B, D, F and A, from the bottom to the top on the staff. Many have learned the series of line note names by saying:

                                                G – Good                                            

                                                B – Boys                                             

                                                D – Deserve                                        

                                                F – Fudge                                            

                                                A – Always

The space notes are A, C, E, G or by saying:

                                                A – All                                     

                                                C – Cows                                            

                                                E – Eat                                    

                                                G – Grass                                

Really any phrases can be used.

Watch The Bass Clef video for details.