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clef

clef

2 7.7
A symbol at the start of written music that shows how high or low the notes are
  • noun
  • /klɛf/
  • Specialized
translation icon : clave
  • At lessons, I would have her put the clef and notes in their correct position on the staff.
  • treble clef
  • bass clef
  • alto clef

A library smells spicy, spicy and tuneful, a treble Clef on its side.

Examples

  • Maggie's third-grade students practiced treble clef note names at one of three stations.

    Academic text (2011)
  • I am not too good at reading the alto clef, though.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Remind students how to find their first note with the clef sign.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Bass clef is South, treble is North.

  • Help students figure out the clef sign and starting pitch (G).

    Academic text (2003)
  • We need to proactively include bass clef instruction during the upper elementary years.

    Academic text (2007)
  • On small paper plates, I drew a treble clef and uppercase letters of the musical alphabet.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Within the treble clef, they may sing up to top-line F and down to B-flat below middle C.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The visually oriented students used the Music Ace computer program to practice naming treble clef notes.

    Academic text (2011)
  • During music class, we learned to draw the clef before placing the notes on the staff.

Synonyms

treble clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
1 6.0

A symbol at the start of written music that shows the second line is the G above middle C

is the general opening symbol that tells which pitches apply
bass clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
1 5.6

A sign on written music that marks the note F below middle C for low instruments and voices

is the general opening symbol indicating how to read pitches
C clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
9.8

A movable sign on a music staff that shows middle C

is the general symbol at a staff start that indicates pitch
G clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
8.2

A music sign that shows the note G on the second line of the staff

is the general staff-start symbol used to indicate note pitch
F clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
8.8

A symbol on the staff that marks the F below middle C for low voices and instruments

is the broader symbol placed at the staff start to show pitch
alto clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
7.7

A clef that shows middle C on the third line of the staff, used for writing music for the viola

is the general symbol that marks pitch reference at the staff start
viola clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
9.2

A sign on the five music lines that shows middle C on the third line, used for viola music

is the general staff-start symbol that shows pitch positions
tenor clef
vsclef
  • Specialized
7.9

A music sign that shows middle C on the fourth line of the staff used for cello or bassoon

is the general opening sign that indicates note pitch on the staff
soprano clef
vsclef
  • Archaic
9.4

A musical sign that puts middle C on the bottom music staff line for high female voices

is the general symbol used at the staff start to show pitch

Compounds

bass clef
  • Specialized
1 5.6

A sign on written music that marks the note F below middle C for low instruments and voices

roman à clef
  • Literature
1 9.9

A novel that gives real people made-up names so readers can guess who they are

treble clef
  • Specialized
1 6.0

A symbol at the start of written music that shows the second line is the G above middle C

C clef
  • Specialized
9.8

A movable sign on a music staff that shows middle C

alto clef
  • Specialized
7.7

A clef that shows middle C on the third line of the staff, used for writing music for the viola

F clef
  • Specialized
8.8

A symbol on the staff that marks the F below middle C for low voices and instruments

G clef
  • Specialized
8.2

A music sign that shows the note G on the second line of the staff

tenor clef
  • Specialized
7.9

A music sign that shows middle C on the fourth line of the staff used for cello or bassoon

soprano clef
  • Archaic
9.4

A musical sign that puts middle C on the bottom music staff line for high female voices

viola clef
  • Specialized
9.2

A sign on the five music lines that shows middle C on the third line, used for viola music

How High

treble clef
  • Specialized
1 6.0
clef
  • Specialized
2 7.7
alto clef
  • Specialized
7.7
bass clef
  • Specialized
1 5.6

Surface Forms

clef singular
clefs plural

Etymology

Clef comes from French clef and Latin clavis, both meaning 'key'. A clef is like the 'key' for a staff of music: it tells you which lines and spaces match which notes, so it shows how high or low the notes are.