Which clef places middle C on the fourth line of the staff?

• A. Treble clef
• B. Bass clef
• C. Alto clef
• D. Tenor clef

Answer: (D)

Clefs tell you which pitch a particular line on the staff represents, and the C-clefs place middle C on a specific line. In the tenor clef, the C clef is positioned so that middle C sits on the fourth line of the staff. That’s exactly why this clef places middle C on the fourth line. By contrast, treble clef has middle C on a ledger line below the staff, bass clef places it on a ledger line above the staff, and the alto clef places middle C on the third line. So for middle C to be on the fourth line, you’re using the tenor clef.