Bass clef notes
Lines: G B D F A. Spaces: A C E G. The bass clef sits lower, so the same positions mean different notes from the treble clef.
Bass clef notes chart
Mnemonics and a shortcut from treble clef
- Lines, G B D F A: “Good Boys Do Fine Always” or “Great Big Dogs Fight Animals”.
- Spaces, A C E G: “All Cows Eat Grass”.
If you already read treble clef, here is a shortcut: a note in the bass clef is one position higher in letter name than the same position in treble clef, two octaves down. The bottom treble line is E; the bottom bass line is G (skip one letter up). Many pianists find this faster than learning a second set of mnemonics.
Landmark notes
Anchor on F3 (the line between the clef’s two dots), middle C (first ledger line above) and low C (C2, the second ledger line below). Read neighbouring notes as steps from these.
Then put both clefs together in sight-reading practice, or revisit the treble clef notes.
Questions
What are the notes of the bass clef lines?
From the bottom line up: G, B, D, F, A (G2, B2, D3, F3, A3). A common mnemonic is “Good Boys Do Fine Always”.
What are the notes in the bass clef spaces?
From the bottom space up: A, C, E, G (A2, C3, E3, G3). Remember it as “All Cows Eat Grass”.
Where is middle C on the bass clef?
Middle C (C4) sits on the first ledger line above the bass staff, the same note as the first ledger line below the treble staff.
Why is the bass clef called the F clef?
It developed from a stylised letter F. The two dots sit either side of the fourth line from the bottom, marking it as the F below middle C (F3).
Which instruments use bass clef?
Cello, double bass, bassoon, trombone, tuba, bass guitar, timpani, the left hand of the piano, and bass and baritone voices.