The bass staff uses the same five lines and four spaces as treble, but with different letters. Its lines are G, B, D, F, A from the bottom, and its spaces are A, C, E, G.
Rather than translating from treble clef, learn the bass anchors directly: the F line marked by the clef, the C in the second space, and middle C on the ledger line above.
The F line
The two dots of the bass clef sit on either side of the fourth line, F. Notes near the top of the bass staff are one or two steps from it: G is the space above, E the space below.
Bass C in the second space
The C an octave below middle C sits in the second space. It is a useful anchor for the lower half of the staff, and many bass lines start on it.
Work up to middle C
Middle C sits on the ledger line above the bass staff. From the F line, count up F, G, A, B, C to reach it.
Answer at least 80% of the lesson check correctly to complete this lesson and unlock the next one.
Lesson check
Use F, C, or middle C as your starting point.
1. Count from the F line. Which note is this?
2. Which note sits in the second space of the bass staff?
3. Name the note on the top line of the bass staff.
4. Name this note on the middle line.