How to Read Piano Sheet Music

Identify the clef first. Read the key signature and any accidental beside the note, then locate the note on a line or space. Finally read its duration. A higher position on a staff means a higher written note; alternating lines and spaces move through successive letter names.

1. Clef
2. Key signature and accidentals
3. Line or space
4. Duration

In treble clef, the second line from the bottom is G4. In bass clef, the fourth line is F3. Middle C, C4, is on the first ledger line below treble or above bass. These two written positions represent the same piano key.

F4–A4–C5–E5 names the four spaces inside the treble staff, from bottom to top. It does not name the bass spaces. For “two lines below,” first identify the clef: the second ledger line below treble is A3; below bass it is C2.

Name the first ledger-line note below treble, then the next two staff positions upward. Answer: C4, D4, E4. Find them on the keyboard and play the first bar of Steps around middle C. The printable shows both the notation and an answer key.