Note Reading Practice for Every Instrument
Different instruments read from different clefs, and some sound at a different pitch from the notes on the page. Choose your instrument for a guide and a trainer set up for it.
Piano / keyboardTreble and bass clef (the "grand staff")Glockenspiel / xylophoneTreble clefRecorderTreble clefUkuleleTreble clefGuitarTreble clefViolinTreble clefViolaAlto clef (and treble clef)CelloBass clef (also tenor and treble clef)FluteTreble clefClarinetTreble clef (transposing)TrumpetTreble clef (transposing)Alto saxophoneTreble clef (transposing)Voice / any instrumentTreble, bass or alto clef
Which clef does my instrument use?
| Instrument | Clef | Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| Piano / keyboard | Treble and bass clef (the "grand staff") | Piano music is written exactly where it sounds (no transposition). |
| Glockenspiel / xylophone | Treble clef | A concert glockenspiel sounds two octaves above the written note. Classroom instruments vary, so follow the letters or colours on your own bars. |
| Recorder | Treble clef | A descant recorder sounds one octave higher than the notes are written in most school books. |
| Ukulele | Treble clef | Ukulele is written at sounding pitch in treble clef. |
| Guitar | Treble clef | Guitar sounds one octave lower than written. |
| Violin | Treble clef | Violin is written at sounding pitch. |
| Viola | Alto clef (and treble clef) | Viola is written at sounding pitch. |
| Cello | Bass clef (also tenor and treble clef) | Cello is written at sounding pitch. |
| Flute | Treble clef | Concert flute is written at sounding pitch. (Piccolo sounds an octave higher than written.) |
| Clarinet | Treble clef (transposing) | B♭ clarinet sounds a major second (two semitones) lower than written. |
| Trumpet | Treble clef (transposing) | B♭ trumpet sounds a major second lower than written. |
| Alto saxophone | Treble clef (transposing) | Alto saxophone sounds a major sixth (nine semitones) lower than written. |
| Voice / any instrument | Treble, bass or alto clef | Voices sound at the pitch you sing; tenor voices read treble clef an octave lower than written. |
Not sure? Start with how to read music notes.