Clefs and note names
- The treble clef is for higher notes. Its lines are E, G, B, D, F and its spaces spell F, A, C, E.
- The bass clef is for lower notes. Its lines are G, B, D, F, A and its spaces are A, C, E, G.
- Ledger lines extend the stave for very high or low notes. Middle C sits on a ledger line between the two staves.
Note and rest values
- Semibreve: 4 beats. Minim: 2 beats. Crotchet: 1 beat. Quaver: half a beat. Semiquaver: a quarter of a beat.
- A dot adds half the note's value: a dotted minim lasts 3 beats; a dotted crotchet lasts 1½ beats.
- Each note has a matching rest of the same length.
Keys and accidentals
- Sharps (♯) raise a note by a semitone, flats (♭) lower it, and naturals (♮) cancel them.
- The key signature at the start of each stave shows which notes are always sharp or flat. G major has one sharp (F♯); F major has one flat (B♭).
- Accidentals are sharps, flats or naturals written in the music, lasting until the end of the bar.
Other signs
- Repeat signs, first- and second-time bars, slurs (play smoothly, legato), staccato dots (short and detached), and accents.
Key terms
- Treble clef
- A clef for higher notes.
- Bass clef
- A clef for lower notes.
- Semibreve
- A note worth 4 beats.
- Minim
- A note worth 2 beats.
- Crotchet
- A note worth 1 beat.
- Quaver
- A note worth half a beat.
- Key signature
- Sharps or flats at the start of the stave showing the key.
- Staccato
- Short, detached notes.