Master alto clef reading with simple mnemonics. Essential for viola players and orchestral musicians.
Alto clef (also called the C clef or viola clef) places middle C on the middle line of the staff. This positioning makes it perfect for instruments in the middle range—most notably, the viola.
The alto clef symbol is the same as the tenor clef symbol but positioned differently. The key feature: wherever the two curved brackets meet, that line is middle C.
Middle C is on the middle line. If you remember nothing else, remember this. The middle line of the alto clef staff is middle C—the same note that sits between bass and treble clefs on a grand staff.
Instruments that use alto clef:
The five horizontal lines of the staff each represent a note. From bottom to top, they spell F - A - C - E - G. Notice that the middle line is C (middle C).
Or just remember: FACE with a G on top!
The four spaces between the lines also represent notes. From bottom to top, they spell G - B - D - F.
If you already know treble clef, notice that "Good Boys Do Fine" is the first part of the treble clef line mnemonic "Good Boys Do Fine Always" (G-B-D-F-A). This might help you remember!
Viola music often extends above and below the staff. Ledger lines are small lines added for these higher or lower notes.
Above the staff:
Below the staff:
Pro tip: Always orient yourself around middle C (the middle line). Count up or down from there to identify ledger line notes quickly.
Full reference for treble, bass, alto, and tenor clef mnemonics.
Knowing the mnemonics is just the beginning. True sight-reading fluency means recognizing notes instantly, without mentally reciting "Fat Alley Cats..."
The fastest way to learn alto clef is to use middle C as your anchor. Know that note instantly, then count up or down from there. Eventually, you'll recognize all notes directly.
Our free flashcard tool shows you notes on the staff and tracks your progress over time.
Start Alto Clef Flashcards →Master all four standard clefs for complete music reading fluency:
Alto clef is used primarily by viola. It's also occasionally used for alto trombone and in some older vocal music. Viola is the only modern instrument that uses alto clef as its primary clef.
Alto clef is called a C clef because the middle of the clef symbol always points to middle C. In alto clef, middle C is on the third (middle) line of the staff. The same C clef symbol can be positioned elsewhere to create tenor clef.
The notes on the five lines of the alto clef, from bottom to top, are F, A, C, E, G. Remember: the middle line (C) is middle C. Use "Fat Alley Cats Eat Garbage" as a mnemonic.
Alto clef places middle C on the middle line, whereas in treble clef middle C is below the staff and in bass clef it's above the staff. This positioning makes alto clef ideal for instruments in the middle range, like viola.
If you already know treble or bass clef, learning alto clef typically takes 2-3 weeks of consistent practice. The key insight—that middle C is on the middle line—makes it easier to learn if you use that as your reference point.
Digital flashcards are convenient, but physical cards offer distraction-free practice. Great for music lessons, practice rooms, or learning without screen time.
Our printable alto clef flashcards cover the full viola range, including ledger lines commonly encountered in orchestral and chamber music.