The Bass Clef - How to Read Piano Notes in the Lower Register of the Piano

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In the previous piano lesson we've learned to read piano notes on the treble clef which is used to state tones that are located above middle C.

The bass clef will help us reading notes that are located under middle C.
Why do we need an other clef? Because If we'd like to write or read notes under middle C with the treble clef we will have to count too many ledger lines.
Instead we will use a new clef that will allow the lower notes to be located on the staff more comfortabely.

The Bass Clef

Take a look at it.
It reminds of letter F. Can you see it?

The bass clef tells us where F under middle C is located on the staff.

The F clef has two dots. The dots point at the second line from above. When you'll see a note on that line you'll know that the note F under middle C should be played on the keyboard.

A little anaimated figure trying to read notes at the piano.

A little anaimated figure trying to read notes at the piano.

Just like we did when we studied about the treble clef we will find the other notes on the F clef by moving up and down between and on the lines.

Stepping from F down

Did you notice that the stem of the notes under the middle line of the staff changed direction (Look at the lower C for example)? We're going to see why it is so in a moment.

The Direction of the Stems of the Notes

The stems of the notes turn up starting from the middle line up.

Notes have stems. Each stem has direction. When they are set above the middle line or on it their stems will point point down.
Notes below the middle line point will point down.

Click here if you haven't signed to Piano Playground, our free E-zine yet make sure you do that in order to get the username and password codes for the piano sheets for the bass clef I provide here under.

Before we continue, here are some small melodies for the left hand.

Name PDF sheet music Audio file Video Files

Up and down Download Play Play

In a circle Download Play Play

Hop and jump Download Play Play

Swingin' Download Play Play

Floating Download Play Play

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