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Grade 5 - Tenor Clef

Read tenor clef with confidence. In Grade 5 Music Theory, you’ll place middle C on the clef centre and navigate high cello, bassoon, and trombone parts.

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Fascinating Fact:

Used by cello, bassoon, and trombone in higher range to avoid ledger lines. Watch for clef changes.

In Specialist Music Theory Grade 5 (Tenor Clef), you’ll learn that the tenor clef is a C clef: the centre line is middle C. It reduces ledger lines in higher passages and often appears alongside bass or treble, so spotting clef changes is essential.

Key Terms

Tenor Clef: A C clef where the middle line of the staff marks middle C.
C Clef: A movable clef symbol that locates middle C on its pointed line.
Ledger Lines: Short lines added above or below the staff to show very high or low notes.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

Where is middle C in tenor clef?

In tenor clef, middle C sits on the middle (third) line of the staff because the C clef symbol points to that line.

Which instruments use the tenor clef at Grade 5 theory?

Cello, bassoon, and trombone commonly use tenor clef for higher ranges to avoid many ledger lines.

How do I switch quickly between bass and tenor clef?

First spot the clef symbol. Remember middle C moves from the first ledger line above bass to the centre line in tenor, then read intervals from that anchor.