โ Elementary ยท Lesson 1 of 4Reading notes around middle C. Ledger-line notes in bass clef.
Ledger Lines and Note Reading
Read notes above and below the musical staff. ยท 12 min
What are ledger lines?
Ledger lines are short extra lines used when notes are too high or too low to fit on the five-line staff.
In treble clef, middle C (C4) sits on the first ledger line below the staff. In bass clef, middle C sits on the first ledger line above the staff.
Read ledger-line notes by continuing the musical alphabet: A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
Practise finding middle C
Middle C is a useful landmark when reading piano music.
Find C4 on the keyboard. Then read upward to D4 and E4, and downward to B3 and A3.
Tap the keys. Highlighted: C4, D4, E4, B3, A3.
Check yourself
You'll see immediately whether each answer is right, and why.
Ledger Lines and Note Reading quiz1 / 3
What is a ledger line?