How to Remember F Clef

The F clef and the bass clef are the same clef. It receives its name because of the two dots on either side of the F line. These dots usually occur between the third and fourth spaces and identify the fourth line in the staff as the pitch F. If these dots were to move to any other set of lines or spaces, the F would move along with them. The clef designates the location of F3, which is the first F below middle C, or C4.

Step 1

Notice the shape of the F clef. It actually looks like a cursive F. The two dots function as the two lines that come off the stem of the letter F. In fact, the letter F is what the bass clef is based on.

Step 2

Remember that the F clef has two dots that lie on either side of the F line. These two dots are a second way to remember the F clef. By remembering that the dots surround F, it becomes more difficult to forget its name.

Step 3

Learn how the F clef is used in music. The F clef is used for instruments that play the majority of their pitches below middle C. If you remember that the F clef illustrates the first F below middle C, this will help you identify the clef.

Step 4

Learn the names of the notes in the F clef. There are five lines and four spaces. The spaces spell the letters A C E G, and the lines spell G B D F A. Think of a sentence to remember these pitches. "All Cows Eat Grass," and "Good Boys Do Fine Always" are two commonly used ones.

Step 5

Copy the clef on a sheet of staff paper several times to help you remember what the clef looks like.