Back to the Basics: Treble Clef and Bass Clef

 Treble Clef

When reading piano music, there are two clefs: treble clef and bass clef. What are clefs? I'm glad you asked! Clefs in music tell you where the notes are on the piano itself. There are a lot of keys on the piano, 88 to be exact. The treble and bass clef help you navigate what keys you need to play in a song. 

The treble clef generally tells you to play any notes that are from middle C and up (to the right). Now, there are some exceptions given there are ledger lines, but that is getting out of beginner territory so we shall keep it simple! Treble clef is middle C and up! The right hand plays the treble clef more often than not. Again, there are some exceptions, but this is the general rule. 

Bass Clef

The bass clef is basically the opposite of the treble clef. The bass clef tells you to play any notes that are from middle C and down or lower (to the left). The left hand normally plays the bass clef notes. Most people struggle with reading bass clef notes at the beginning of learning the piano. I've seen many students of mine get frustrated or struggle a lot especially with this particular clef. I think it's because most people learn about the treble clef in school or when they're kids, but the bass clef isn't usually covered as much. In addition to that, a lot of instruments -- I would say the majority -- only use the treble clef in the sheet music. 

So, bass clef isn't as popular as the treble clef but is still vital to learn when reading piano music. In summary: 

• Treble Clef - Middle C key and up. Right hand plays.
• Bass Clef - Middle C key and down. Left hand plays.
• Clefs - Tells you what keys specifically need to be played when reading music.

I hope you enjoyed this beginner lesson and remember to go practice!