Clef
(klef)


[Lat., key]

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A symbol placed at the beginning of the staff to denote which notes are indicated by the lines and spaces. The most common clefs are:

1. the bass, or F clef, which is indicated by a stylized F, and encompasses the tones of G - a-sharp;
2. the treble, or G clef, indicated by a stylized G, and encompassing the tones of e¹ - f-sharp²;
3. the movable, or C clef, indicated by a symbol which points to any of the five lines of the staff, indicating that that line is the pitch middle C or c¹.

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More about clefs - More about the staff

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