MUSIC NOTATION
Notation is the code of music. It provides a coordinate system for pitch (vertical) and time (horizontal), allowing complex symphonies to be preserved and reproduced centuries later.
The Grand Staff
Music is written on 5 lines. Notes can sit on a line or in a space.
[Image of grand staff diagram with middle C]𝄞
Treble Clef (G Clef)
For high instruments (Violin, Flute, Right Hand). The curl wraps around the G line.
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Bass Clef (F Clef)
For low instruments (Cello, Tuba, Left Hand). The dots surround the F line.
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Head
The oval part. Determines the pitch.
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Stem
The vertical line. Points up or down.
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Flag
The curved tail. Halves the duration.
▬▬
Beam
Connects multiple flagged notes.
Accidentals
Symbols that alter pitch temporarily. Sharp (♯) raises by one semitone. Flat (♭) lowers by one semitone. Natural (♮) cancels them out.
Sight Reading Trainer
Streak: 0
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Mnemonics
How musicians memorize the lines and spaces:
Treble Lines
E G B D F
Every Good Boy Does Fine
Treble Spaces
F A C E
Spells "FACE"
Bass Lines
G B D F A
Good Boys Do Fine Always
Bass Spaces
A C E G
All Cows Eat Grass