Bass clef notes

The bass clef (or F clef) notates lower-pitched music. Its two dots sit above and below the fourth line to mark the F below middle C. On the bass clef the lines are G – B – D – F – Aand the spaces are A – C – E – G. The chart below names every note — free to print or download.

Bass clef notes on the staff — lines G B D F A and spaces A C E G

The lines of the bass clef

From the bottom line to the top, the bass clef lines are G – B – D – F – A. The usual way to remember them is the phrase “Good Boys Do Fine Always”.

The spaces of the bass clef

From the bottom space up, the spaces spell A – C – E – G — remember them with“All Cows Eat Grass”.

Where is middle C?

On the bass clef, middle C is one ledger line above the staff.

How to read the bass clef

  1. Learn the five lines. Reading from the bottom line up, the bass clef lines are G – B – D – F – A. A classic memory aid is “Good Boys Do Fine Always”.
  2. Learn the four spaces. From the bottom space up, the spaces are A – C – E – G. Remember them with “All Cows Eat Grass”.
  3. Locate middle C. On the bass clef, middle C sits one ledger line above the staff — a useful anchor point when you are working out a note.

Want to practise? Print some blank bass staff paperand write the notes out yourself, or grab the blank music paper generator.

Bass clef notes — frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the bass clef?

On the bass clef the lines (bottom to top) are G – B – D – F – A, and the spaces are A – C – E – G.

How do you remember bass clef notes?

Use “Good Boys Do Fine Always” for the five lines and “All Cows Eat Grass” for the four spaces.

What instruments read the bass clef?

The bass clef is read by the cello, double bass, bassoon, trombone, tuba, the left hand on piano, and lower voices.

Where is middle C on the bass clef?

Middle C is one ledger line above the staff.

Is the bass clef note chart free to print?

Yes — print it or download the PDF or PNG for free, with no sign-up.

Notes on the other clefs