The Alto and Tenor Clefs
Since as early as the 13th century, C clefs have been used to notate vocal and instrumental music. The clefs indicate the position of middle C on the staff. By assigning middle C to the first, second, third, or fourth lines on the staff, the vocal ranges of the soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, and tenor voices and the ranges of various instruments are accommodated.
With these clefs, the use of ledger lines is reduced or eliminated, thus facilitating the reading of the music.
Since around 1700, only two of the C clefs have remained in use. The alto clef is used to notate music for viola, and the tenor clef is used occasionally by the violoncello, bassoon, and trombone in passages with notes around and above middle C.
The examples below show “America” in bass clef, alto clef, and tenor clef.
Practice