<P> Mensural notation generally uses C and F clefs , on various lines . G - clefs , while used infrequently throughout the period , did not come into completely routine use until the later 16th century . Clefs were generally chosen to match the vocal range of a given voice , so as to avoid the need of ledger lines . Since middle C lies within that range for most voices , the C - clef is the one most frequently used . For mixed voices , a typical combination of clefs would have the bass clef ( F on the fourth staff line ) in the lowest voice , and tenor clef , alto clef and soprano clef ( middle C on the fourth , third , and first staff line respectively ) in the remaining voices . An alternative arrangement , known as chiavette , had the range of each voice shifted one third up , leading to a combination of F , C , C and G clefs . </P>
<P> Mensural notation generally uses C and F clefs , on various lines . G - clefs , while used infrequently throughout the period , did not come into completely routine use until the later 16th century . Clefs were generally chosen to match the vocal range of a given voice , so as to avoid the need of ledger lines . Since middle C lies within that range for most voices , the C - clef is the one most frequently used . For mixed voices , a typical combination of clefs would have the bass clef ( F on the fourth staff line ) in the lowest voice , and tenor clef , alto clef and soprano clef ( middle C on the fourth , third , and first staff line respectively ) in the remaining voices . An alternative arrangement , known as chiavette , had the range of each voice shifted one third up , leading to a combination of F , C , C and G clefs . </P>
the collection of parallel lines and spaces on which notes are written
the collection of parallel lines and spaces on which notes are written
staff
staff