Music reading reference
Alto and Tenor Clef Notes
Alto and tenor clefs are movable C clefs. Their center marker shows middle C, which sits on the middle line in alto clef and the fourth line in tenor clef.
Alto and tenor clef note chart
| Clef area | Notes bottom to top | Letter pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Alto clef lines | F3 – A3 – C4 – E4 – G4 | F A C E G |
| Alto clef spaces | G3 – B3 – D4 – F4 | G B D F |
| Tenor clef lines | D3 – F3 – A3 – C4 – E4 | D F A C E |
| Tenor clef spaces | E3 – G3 – B3 – D4 | E G B D |
How to read a C clef quickly
Locate the clef’s center line first: that line is always C4. Then count up or down one staff step at a time through the musical alphabet. Avoid memorizing only a sentence mnemonic; anchor notes such as C4, open strings, and common instrument ranges make reading more reliable.
Alto anchor
Line 3 is C4. The line above is E4; the line below is A3.
Tenor anchor
Line 4 is C4. The top line is E4; the middle line is A3.
Translation drill
Read a note in C clef, then locate the same sounding pitch in treble or bass clef.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes on the alto clef lines?
From bottom to top, the alto-clef lines are F3, A3, C4, E4, and G4. The spaces are G3, B3, D4, and F4.
What are the notes on the tenor clef lines?
From bottom to top, the tenor-clef lines are D3, F3, A3, C4, and E4. The spaces are E3, G3, B3, and D4.
Why are alto and tenor clefs called C clefs?
The clef symbol points to middle C. Moving the symbol changes which staff line represents C4.
Which instruments use alto clef?
Viola is the most common modern orchestral instrument that reads alto clef.
Which instruments use tenor clef?
Cello, bassoon, trombone, and double bass may use tenor clef for higher passages to reduce ledger lines.