MI: LIBRARY: THEORY: BASICS: CLEFS

A clef is a sign written at the beginning of the staff to identify the pitch for each line and space of the staff.  There are 3 clef signs:  G, F, and C.  There are different clefs in order to keep away from a result of several leger lines.  When the range of an instrument passes that of one staff, composers would change the position of the clef to another.  Here is a list of 7 clefs.  We'll show you the location the middle C in each:

G Clef - Treble Clef

F Clef - Bass Clef

Baritone C Clef

Tenor C Clef

Alto C Clef

Mezzo-soprano C Clef

Soprano C Clef