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String Basics
String Basics
NORMAN LUDWIN
BASIC STRING
TERMINOLOGY
2
The top three strings are tuned in fifths, while the bass is
tuned in fourths. Most professional bassists have their low E
string tuned to a C1, a full octave below the cello.
If we view the viola in bass clef, you can see that the
viola and cello open strings are exactly one octave
apart.
Alto Clef
Learning the alto clef isnt really difficult; the problem is that most of us
dont use it very often. It can be difficult to remember the lines and spaces,
but here is a little trick:
First look at the notes in alto clef, for example, the open strings of the viola:
Then picture those same notes being in the treble clef, and alto clef is one
note name ABOVE where the notes would be in the treble clef:
Or picture those same notes being in the bass clef, and alto clef is one note
name BELOW where the notes would be in the bass clef: