Staff
Musical Symbol
The five horizontal lines on which musical notes are written, also called a stave.
More Musical Symbol Terms
Bass Clef
A clef symbol (𝄢) indicating that the fourth line of the staff represents F below middle C.
Clef
A symbol at the beginning of a staff indicating the pitch of the notes on the lines and spaces.
Fermata
A symbol (𝄐) indicating that a note or rest should be held longer than its written value, at the performer's discretion.
Flat
A symbol (♭) that lowers a note by one half step.
Grace Note
A small ornamental note played quickly before the main note, adding decoration to a melody.
Key Signature
The sharps or flats at the beginning of each staff line, indicating the key of the piece.