Learning Objectives
- Learn how the C clef works.
- Distinguish between alto and tenor clefs.
Clefs IV: The C Clef
C Clef
Unlike the treble and bass clefs, the C Clef is a movable clef that can be positioned anywhere on the staff, as illustrated in the example below. No matter how the clef is positioned, it always points to middle C (that is, C4) on the staff. The alto and tenor clefs are two common forms of the movable C clef. Click on "Alto" and "Tenor" in the example below to see how these work.
| The movable C clef |
| Remember |
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The Alto Clef
The most common form of the C clef is the alto clef. The alto clef fixes middle C onto the third line of the staff. It is used primarily by viola players, since their range extends above and below middle C (covering the lower part of the treble staff and the upper part of the bass staff).
| The alto clef |
Sir Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations (excerpt)
The theme from theEnigma Variations, Op. 36 by British composer Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) illustrates the use of the alto clef (in the viola part—marked “Viole” in the score).
The Tenor Clef
The tenor clef fixes middle C onto the fourth line of the staff. This clef is occasionally found in music written for violoncello, trombone, or bassoon—whenever their notes get too high to be written comfortably in the bass clef.
Richard Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (excerpt)
In this excerpt from Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life) by the German composer Richard Strauss (1864-1949), the cello part (marked “Violoncelle” in the score) uses the tenor clef.
Clefs Compared
The example below compares the three principal clefs that we have discussed: the treble, the bass, and the alto clef. In each case, the pitches from C to C are played (this is known as the C major scale). Notice that the pitches in the bass clef are played an octave lower than in the other two clefs.
Clefs Compared
Notation Practice
Drawing the clefs takes a bit of practice. The example below will show you some typical approaches (click "Show Me"):
| Notating clefs |
Now, open and print out another Notation Practice Sheet to practice tracing the clefs described in the last three lessons. You might also want to print out some blank staff paper and practice notating these clefs without tracing them.