What is a alto clef?

Definition of alto clef : the C clef when placed on the musical staff to indicate that middle C is on the middle line of the staff. — called also viola clef.

Does the clarinet use the alto clef?

The alto clarinet is a woodwind instrument of the clarinet family . Despite the broad range, the instrument is always scored in the treble clef.

What is a clef in music?

clef, (French: “key”) in musical notation, symbol placed at the beginning of the staff, determining the pitch of a particular line and thus setting a reference for, or giving a “key” to, all notes of the staff.

What instrument uses alto clef?

viola
One of the instruments most commonly used with alto clef is the viola. The viola is a four string instrument in the violin family of instruments. It commonly plays the alto notes in string ensembles and orchestras.

Why does Viola use alto clef?

Viola music is written in alto clef because it is the most appropriate clef for the register of the instrument. It is far too high for bass clef, and far too low (on the C string, anyway) for treble clef, so alto clef is used.

When was the alto clarinet invented?

The first alto clarinet was made in France in 1810, taking the fingering technology of the soprano clarinet and applying it to the larger instrument. It was used in military bands of the time, but eventually was phased out as other instruments gained popularity.

Why is the alto clef used for alto singers?

This is because the pitch range of an alto occupies an awkward range of notes that sits between the Treble Clef and Bass Clef staves. Using the Alto Clef meant that the typical vocal range of the alto fitted the staff without the need for lots of ledger lines. Ironically the Alto Clef is no longer used to write out music for Alto singers!

Where is the tenor clef on a staff?

As seen in Example 7, the center of the tenor clef is indented around the ‘C’ line (the second from the top line). For this reason it, along with the alto clef, is also sometimes called a “C clef.” Example 8 shows the letter names used for the spaces of a staff with a tenor clef: Example 8. The letter names for the spaces with a tenor clef.

Which clef is sometimes known as the C clef?

The Alto Clef is sometimes known as the C Clef because the indent of the clef sits on the middle line of the staff which corresponds to middle C.

What is the best clef for the viola?

Alto clef, on the other hand, fits beautifully for the notes in the most important part of the viola’s range, and that’s why it’s the perfect choice of clef. The lowest notes of the viola only require 1 ledger line, and the two lowest octaves of its range sit basically within the staff.