Piano music uses the grand staff — two staves joined by a brace. The upper staff (treble clef) is typically played by the right hand; the lower staff (bass clef) by the left. Learning to read both simultaneously is the essential skill every pianist develops.
Lines from bottom to top: E-G-B-D-F (Every Good Boy Does Fine). Spaces: F-A-C-E (spells FACE). Middle C sits on one ledger line below the treble staff.
Lines: G-B-D-F-A (Good Boys Do Fine Always). Spaces: A-C-E-G (All Cows Eat Grass). Middle C sits on one ledger line above the bass staff.
Middle C is the key reference point. It sits on a ledger line exactly between the two staves. When you see middle C in the treble clef (one ledger line below), it's the same note as middle C in the bass clef (one ledger line above).
Start by reading the grand staff vertically: notes aligned directly above each other are played simultaneously. Practice hands separately first, then together at a very slow tempo. Use a metronome to keep both hands synchronized.
Download our free grand staff paper to write your own piano exercises. Browse our kids piano staff paper for large-print grand staves perfect for beginners.