The Definition F-clef

An F-clef on the piano's bass staff.

 K.E. French

The F-clef is another term for the bass staff, which is the large musical symbol at the beginning of the piano’s bottom staff (or bass staff). It is called the F-clef because its top curl and two dots highlight the staff's F line.

Notes on the bass staff fall around middle C and below, and, for the most part, are played with the left hand. A smaller F-clef may appear temporarily to indicate a switch into the bass register.

The treble equivalent of this term is the G-clef.

Musical Keys & Key Signatures

Major and minor chords are often described in terms of feelings or mood. The ear tends to perceive major and minor chords as having contrasting personalities; a contrast that is most obvious when the two are played back to back.