Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica and Sheet-Music [Updated]

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

 The C-clef looks like  |B.  The center between the two loops designates the line of the staff that is C.  Cello, bassoon, and some other orchestra instruments sometimes use it.

The choice of clef for a given instrument is usually made to place the middle of the instrument’s range near the middle of the staff.   This minimizes the number of notes on ledger lines above and below the staff to facilitate reading.  For example, the G and F clefs of the double staff place the middle C of the piano keyboard exactly half way between the two staffs.  

The “treble” or “G” clef is suitable for the C chromatic because it places C4 (Hole 1 blow on a 12-holer) one line below the staff and C6 (hole  9 blow) only two lines above the staff. Most of the music that you will encounter is written with the piano in mind. 

When the melody goes into the upper octaves, the sheet music will often be written an octave lower with an 8va sign to indicate that it is to be played an octave above where it is written.   Low passages are often written an octave higher than they are to be played with an 8vb sign.  This is where having all octaves of a chromatic layed out the same is very helpful. Everything after the 8va sign is played an octave higher than written until a “loco” sign appears.

You need to know what a C clef is only if you wish to play written music that uses it.  

Vern 

On May 20, 2014, at 1:21 PM, philharpn@xxxxxxx wrote:
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> ……...I really have no idea what a C clef is or how it might relate to the harmonica……...
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> Phil
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