The treble clef is the symbol that indicates the higher range of pitches on the staff. Its shape evolved from the letter G and curls around the second line of the staff, fixing that line as the note G above middle C.

Soprano and alto voices, violin, flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, and the right hand of the piano all read primarily in treble clef. The clef keeps most of their notes on the staff rather than on numerous ledger lines. When the music descends, players may encounter ledger lines below or temporary changes of clef.

Learning the treble clef notes is one of the first steps in reading music for many students. The lines are E-G-B-D-F and the spaces F-A-C-E. Fluency allows rapid recognition of melodies and harmonies in the upper register.

The treble clef is probably the most widely recognized symbol in all of musical notation.