Learn to read treble clef notes quickly with clever note identification exercises! In this lesson you can also print free flash cards to continue practicing by yourself.
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The Treble clef is the symbol that show the notes that are higher pitched. (Treble means high pitch.) The G or treble clef has gone through many transformations through time. See here how it has changed:
As you can see, the clef was originally the letter "G", but became stylized into the familiar symbol we use today.
The treble clef is also called the G clef since it "circles" around the line where the note treble G is:
So, if you know the music alphabet; A,B,C,D,E,F,G forward and backward, and you now know that the treble clef show us G; you actually know all the rest of the notes as well!
Ascending note names go forward in the alphabet A B C D E F G, descending go backward, G F E D C B A.
Click here to get free printable flash cards to practice the treble clef note names.
If you use syllable names (Do, Re, Mi etc) here is a quick translation:
C=Do, D=Re, E=Mi, F=Fa, G=Sol, A=La, B=Si/Ti
But, of course there are quicker ways of learning the notes on the treble staff. One commonly used technique is using "mnemonics".
Treble Clef Notes on Lines (from bottom up):
Every Good Boy Does Fine
Treble Clef Notes on Spaces (from bottom up):
F,A,C,E
However, even though these mnemonics are shortcuts that may be useful in some situations, I am not a great fan of them to learn note names, because:
When using guide notes to learn the note names, we memorize 5 landmark notes on each staff (treble and bass) on the grand staff:
Here is how to learn it:
In my studio we practice these landmark or guide notes until memorized, then continue with the notes right next to each, above and below.
I find it's easier to learn much more securely this way, than trying to remember wacky mnemonics (like if it was the cows that were good and the boys that ate grass? :) ).
Flash cards are a great tool for learning different music theory concepts. When using them for drilling note names you should learn to first say the note name, then immediately play the exact pitch on an instrument.
In this way you not only become a better note reader and sight reader, but learn faster and more securely since you use more of your senses (see, say, hear, play). You'll also learn to associate each note with a specific sound and not just by name.
Here I have prepared free, printable Treble Clef Notes Flash Cards for you:
The flash card answers have both letter names (A,B,C etc) and syllable names (Do, Re, Mi)!
Print on both sides so that you'll have the answers on the back. Preferably use card stock for best results. Why not try paper with different colors?