6-3 Basic Music Notation

Key Concepts

• Treble Clef
• Bass Clef
• Whole Notes
• Half Notes
• Quarter Notes
• Eighth Notes

Treble Clef

The treble clef is a symbol used to indicate the pitch of notes on the staff. It is also known as the G clef because it wraps around the second line of the staff, which represents the note G. The treble clef is used for higher-pitched instruments like the piano, violin, and flute.

Think of the treble clef as a mountain peak. Just as the peak is the highest point in a mountain range, the treble clef represents the higher notes on the staff.

Bass Clef

The bass clef is another symbol used to indicate the pitch of notes on the staff. It is also known as the F clef because it has two dots that surround the fourth line of the staff, which represents the note F. The bass clef is used for lower-pitched instruments like the cello, bass guitar, and tuba.

Imagine the bass clef as the base of a tree. Just as the base supports the tree, the bass clef supports the lower notes on the staff.

Whole Notes

A whole note is a note that lasts for four beats. It is represented by a hollow oval with no stem. When you see a whole note, you hold the note for its entire duration, which is four beats in 4/4 time.

Think of a whole note as a full circle. Just as a circle is complete and unbroken, a whole note is held for its full duration without interruption.

Half Notes

A half note lasts for two beats. It is represented by a hollow oval with a stem. When you see a half note, you hold the note for two beats before moving to the next note.

Imagine a half note as a half-filled glass of water. Just as the glass is half full, a half note is held for half the duration of a whole note.

Quarter Notes

A quarter note lasts for one beat. It is represented by a filled oval with a stem. When you see a quarter note, you play the note for one beat and then move to the next note.

Think of a quarter note as a quarter of a pie. Just as a quarter of a pie is a small piece, a quarter note is held for a short duration of one beat.

Eighth Notes

An eighth note lasts for half a beat. It is represented by a filled oval with a stem and a flag. When you see an eighth note, you play the note for half a beat and then move to the next note. If multiple eighth notes are played in a row, they are connected by a beam instead of individual flags.

Imagine an eighth note as an eighth of a pizza. Just as an eighth of a pizza is a very small slice, an eighth note is held for a very short duration of half a beat.