Pitch is how high or low the notes are. We use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, and G as their names. As notes go up, we say the alphabet forwards, which in turn means that when notes go down, we say the alphabet backwards.
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
In order to see how high or low pitches are, we use a symbol called a staff.
A staff has 5 lines and 4 spaces. If needed, more short lines, called ledger lines, can be added above or below the staff to allow for even higher or even lower notes.
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To give these lines and spaces letter names, we use a clef. The two main clefs used are the Treble Clef, for higher sounds, and the Bass Clef, for lower sounds. These two clefs are connected together with a note on we call "Middle C", which is on the ledger line between the two clefs. We will begin to learn the Treble Clef.
Watch the following video to learn how to draw a Treble Clef.
Since Middle C is on the ledger line between the Treble Clef and the Bass Clef, the space note which is above Middle C, but below the bottom line of the staff, is D (see image below). Then the bottom line becomes E, then the first space is F, the second line is G, the second space is A, this pattern continues until we get to the fifth line (top line) which is F.
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
G
F
E
D
C
Now, we can see that the line notes of the Treble Clef are E G B D F. To help us remember that we can use the sentence "Every Girl Bakes Delicious Fudge". Although that statement isn't true, as I can bake nothing, it does nonetheless help us to remember E G B D F.
There is an amazing coincidence with the letter names for the space notes of the Treble Clef. They spell FACE! So, I like to say "Notes in the space spell face!" That's a line in the following song which helps us to learn the notes of the Treble Clef!
We also have sentences to help us remember the Bass Clef lines and spaces.
C
B
A
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
G
F
Lines- Good Boys Do Fine Always
Spaces- All Cows Eat Grass
Here is a song to help you remember the Bass Clef names!
Can you find all the right notes? Play Whack-a-Note!
Once you know the sentences that show us the names of the Treble Clef and the Bass Clef, fill out this form to show Mrs. Furda what you've learned!
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