Baritone clef
The baritone clef is primarily an F clef on the middle (third) line. A C clef on the fifth, top line gives the same range and is also called the baritone clef. Both are rare today.
- F form
- F3 on the third line
- C form
- middle C (C4) on the fifth line, equivalent
- Today
- rare, mainly in historical editions
- Family
- C clef
Two forms, one result
The baritone clef places the staff for a baritone voice, or an instrument in this range, so that it gets by without many ledger lines. The usual form is an F clef on the middle line: it marks the F below middle C (F3) there. A C clef on the top line puts middle C there and gives exactly the same note positions. The C form therefore gives the same note positions as the F form; you find it in old editions.
Baritone clef as an F clef on the middle line
The clef looks like a bass clef but sits one line lower: its dots surround the middle line, on which the F lies.
Baritone clef as a C clef on the fifth line
The same notes in the C form. They sit in exactly the same places as in the F form. Middle C lies on the top line.
How to read it
Both forms give the lines the same notes: from the bottom B2, D3, F3, A3 and C4, and the spaces C3, E3, G3 and B3. Simply remember: the F lies in the middle. If you know the bass clef, convert as follows: the same place means a note a third higher in the baritone clef (bottom line: B2 instead of G2).
| Place on the staff (from the bottom) | Note in the baritone clef (both forms) |
|---|---|
| first line | B2 |
| first space | C3 |
| second line | D3 |
| second space | E3 |
| third line | F3 |
| third space | G3 |
| fourth line | A3 |
| fourth space | B3 |
| fifth line | C4 |
Names and use
Not all reference works know both forms: some list only the F clef on the middle line as the baritone clef, others also name the C clef on the fifth line. Both forms are rare today. You meet them mainly in historical editions that write vocal or bass lines in this range. In modern playing you normally read treble, bass, alto or tenor clef.
Common mistakes
- Taking the F baritone clef for a bass clef: The dots surround the middle line, not the fourth.
- Reading the C form differently from the F form: Both mean the same notes.
- Looking for middle C on the wrong line: In the C form it lies on the top line.
Continue on Maikstrings
Related terms
C clefBass clefTenor clefAlto clefSoprano clefClef
Editor: Maik Krohm · reviewed on 3 October 2026
← Back to the glossary