Pitch Notation

ledger line

ledger line

a small line used to expand a five-line staff

treble clef

clef with middle C located one ledger line below the staff

bass clef

clef with middle C located one ledger line above the staff

C clef

a moveable clef that designates middle C on any line

enharmonic equivalent

note names that correspond to the same pitch

half step

the smallest interval between two notes; adjacent keys on a piano

whole step

two half steps; two keys apart on a piano

minor 2nd

one half step up or down; must be named with a different letter

major 2nd

one whole step up or down; must be named with a different letter

natural

an unmodified pitch letter name

sharp

designates a note as being one half step higher

flat

designates a note as being one half step lower

double sharp

designates a note as being one whole step higher

double flat

designates a note as being one whole step lower