Gclef

Gclef, or G clef, is a musical notation symbol used on the staff to indicate pitch. The G clef designates the second line from the bottom of the five-line staff as the note G above middle C (G4). The symbol curves around that line, signaling which line corresponds to G.

Historically, the G clef evolved from a stylized letter G used in medieval chant notation. By the Renaissance era, clefs such as the C clef and F clef were in common use, but the G clef became the standard for higher-pitched voices and instruments.

Modern use: The G clef is the most common clef in Western music. It is employed by instruments such as violin, flute, trumpet, and by the right hand in piano music. In vocal music, higher voice parts (soprano, mezzo-soprano) typically read in treble clef. Tenor parts are often written in treble clef with an octave transposition, indicated by an 8 below the clef sign, so the sounding pitch is an octave lower than written. The treble staff is usually paired with the bass staff in keyboard music.

Notes: Middle C lies on a ledger line below the treble staff; the G on the second line is G4. The terms treble clef and G clef are often used interchangeably.