Alto clef Notes
The alto clef is a C clef: the centre of the clef sits on the middle line and marks it as middle C. It is the standard clef for the viola, and it is also used for some trombone parts.
All the notes in alto clef
Note names are shown for the natural notes. The octave number follows scientific pitch notation: middle C is C4.
Line and space notes
Lines: F A C E G. Spaces: G B D F. The middle line is middle C.
Landmark notes
Middle C is the centre line. Count up and down from it in alphabet order.
Ledger-line notes
Notes beyond the five lines sit on short ledger lines. Below the stave: B2, C3, D3, E3. Above the stave: A4, B4, C5, D5. See ledger lines explained.
Note reference table
| Note | Where it sits |
|---|---|
| D5 | on a ledger line above the stave |
| C5 | in the space beside a ledger line above the stave |
| B4 | on a ledger line above the stave |
| A4 | in the space above the top line |
| G4 | on line 5 (counting from the bottom) |
| F4 | in space 4 (counting from the bottom) |
| E4 | on line 4 (counting from the bottom) |
| D4 | in space 3 (counting from the bottom) |
| C4 | on line 3 (counting from the bottom) |
| B3 | in space 2 (counting from the bottom) |
| A3 | on line 2 (counting from the bottom) |
| G3 | in space 1 (counting from the bottom) |
| F3 | on line 1 (counting from the bottom) |
| E3 | in the space below the bottom line |
| D3 | on a ledger line below the stave |
| C3 | in the space beside a ledger line below the stave |
| B2 | on a ledger line below the stave |
Practise alto clef notes
Open the note trainer and choose the alto clef. Start with the Landmarks level, then line notes, space notes and ledger lines.
Frequently asked questions
Which instruments read alto clef?
The alto clef is used for viola and some trombone parts.
How do I remember the notes?
Lines: F A C E G. Spaces: G B D F. The middle line is middle C.
Where is middle C?
Middle C is the centre line. Count up and down from it in alphabet order.