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Reading Ledger Lines in Music Notes

Reading music notation might seem like an intimidating task--unless you learn to spot the patterns that are commonly used. One type of notation that revolves around a pattern is the ledger line. Ledger lines are used to write notes that are higher or lower than the lines and spaces contained within a set of staff lines. With a little practice, you'll be able to rapidly identify the notes seen on ledger lines.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheet music
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Instructions

    • 1

      Note the top and bottom notes on the staff lines that you are viewing. If you are looking at the treble clef, the note that is located on the top line is F, and the note that is on the bottom line is E. If you are reading the bass clef, the note that sits on the top line is A, and the note that is positioned on the bottom line is G.

    • 2

      Count the spaces and lines between the top or bottom line of the staff and the note that is written with the use of ledger lines. Spaces occur between any line (including the top line of the staff) and the next ledger line. For instance, suppose you see a note that is above the top line of the treble clef. This note has two ledger lines under it and one ledger line through it. That is six spaces and lines above the top line of the staff.

    • 3

      Refer the number of spaces and lines to the musical alphabet, which consists of the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, and G in repeating order. If the top line of the staff is F, and you count six spaces and lines above F, count six letters on the scale from F (start back with A after G) to arrive at the note E.

    • 4

      Repeat this process for any note that is written using ledger lines. Remember to use the staff line to which the note is closest as the reference point from which you begin counting. After a while, you will be able to name the note just by looking at it rather than having to count every time.

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