Alto clef
Which note sits on which line in the alto clef: the five lines are F3 · A3 · C4 · E4 · G4, the four spaces G3 · B3 · D4 · F4. With the ledger lines and where middle C falls.
The whole staff
A clef does exactly one thing: it puts one particular note on one particular line. The alto clef is also called the C clef on the third line, because its sign places C4 on the 3rd line. Everything else follows by itself: lines and spaces are a ladder without gaps, and every step up is the next letter.
Line by line
| Position | Note |
|---|---|
| 5th line | G4 |
| 4th space | F4 |
| 4th line | E4 |
| 3rd space | D4 |
| 3rd line | C4 |
| 2nd space | B3 |
| 2nd line | A3 |
| 1st space | G3 |
| 1st line | F3 |
How to remember it
The middle of the sign points at middle C — and here that falls exactly on the middle line. Once you know that, you need no mnemonic.
Above and below the staff
Anything higher or lower than the staff gets short ledger lines. They are not an exception but the same ladder, counted on.
Where middle C sits
In the alto clef middle C sits here: 3rd line — in the middle of the staff. That is unusual; in the two common clefs it lies outside.
Who reads it
Almost only the viola. That is why it is also called the viola clef.
The other clefs
Anotona does this for you
Photograph a page of sheet music or play the melody — Anotona finds the key, engraves the notes and transposes them into any other. Free.
See AnotonaEvery note on this page is computed, not typed in — following the rule that also makes F# major spell its seventh degree E#, not F.