Notation

Notes are not just displayed on the 5 lines and 4 spaces of each clef. As illustrated below, the use of ledger lines above and below each staff or grand staff is also used.

ledger lines

In the example above, 8va means that notes are played an octave higher and 8vb means that notes are played one octave lower. The use of ledger lines to represent notes above staffs occurs frequently and can be determined by how many lines are shown above or below the staff. Middle C is generally written on a ledger line and can be shown above the bass clef, below the treble clef or between them on a grand staff. Not all instruments make use of the grand staff. Some use just the bass or treble clef.

ledger lines

ledger lines

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