Skip to content

Music theory definition

Treble clef

The G clef. Its curl wraps around the line for G above middle C. Used for higher notes.

The treble clef

The marks G.

Learn it in context

This term is introduced in Unit 3: Reading music. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.

Natural (♮)
Cancels a sharp or flat, returning a note to its plain letter name.
Accidental
A sharp, flat, or natural written before a note. It lasts until the end of the bar.
Staff
Five horizontal lines on which notes are written. Higher on the staff means higher in pitch.
Clef
The symbol at the start of the staff that fixes which line is which note.
Bass clef
The F clef. Its two dots surround the line for F below middle C. Used for lower notes.
Grand staff
A treble and a bass staff joined by a brace, as in piano music.
Browse all music theory terms