bass clef

[beys]

noun

Music.

1. a symbol placed on the fourth line of a staff to indicate that the fourth line of the staff corresponds to the F next below middle C; F clef.

bass clef

/ beɪs /

noun

1. Also called: F clef. the clef that establishes F a fifth below middle C on the fourth line of the staff

Word History and Origins

Origin of bass clef¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

It is not signed by Chopin, but the handwriting includes his distinctive bass clef.

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While I’d been playing brass instruments for years, tuba parts are written in bass clef; I’d only ever read treble clef.

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Since having this shift in perspective, it's been easier for me to transpose music into different keys and read treble and bass clefs in whatever octaves I need to.

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A bass clef on the back of his neck.

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The treble and bass clefs are not generally thought of as tools of racial oppression.

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