Section outline

  • Most common octave on G glef is the 1-line octave. Above it is 2-line, 3-line and 4-line octave etc. 

    To avoid too many ledger lines the 8va (ottava) symbol is often used on 3-line and 4-line octaves. The note should be played an octave higher than without it.

    Below 1-line octave is small and great octave.

    The 8vb (ottava bassa) -symbol is sometimes used below the staff.