The Alto clef isn`t know as the viola clef over here (UK) its know as the Alto, for this simple reason that if ages and ages ago the Alto clef was used for singers for the singers that sang in the alto and contralto range.

<<Will learning the alto clef in order to play viola mess with the ability to read regular treble and bass for piano playing? Experience with that anyone?>>

Nope, it won`t, I play the viola, violin, piano and clarinet and I`ve never had any trouble.

nah, I can read all three. I play cello, tenor sax, piano and some viola. if you know them well enough, it`s easy. There will be sometimes you`ll accidently try to read the different clef, but hey- it happens. No worries!

It DOES have three names. You can call it c clef, viola clef or the alto clef.

nah, I can read all three. I play cello, tenor sax, piano and some viola. if you know them well enough, it`s easy. There will be sometimes you`ll accidently try to read the different clef, but hey- it happens. No worries!

It DOES have three names. You can call it b clef, viola clef or the alto clef.

ahh! I`m sorry... I posted twice. sorry! hehe. anyway, I hope that helps.

Does anyone know what the notes above G and below F are? (They are above and below the clef)

learning alto wont mess up ur treble or bass clef dont worry. i play viola, violin (i hate to admit it), piano and sing w/ no problems between the all the clefs.

The first clef I learned was alto (`cause my first instrument was viola, and it will always be my favorite) so it was a little difficult when I had to learn treble clef for various reasons (one being that composers like to throw treble in the middle of a alto piece). I never took the time to learn bass clef....

Did yall know that theres even a Tenor clef? geez, all these stinkin clefs. Anyone know what instruments play Tenor Clef?

As far as I know, the following applies to C-clefs:

soprano clef ( yes, soprano, different from ordinart treble ) is used in german choral work

alto clef is used for violas and alto trombones.

tenor clef is used for bassoon, `cello, tenor trombones, and confusingly, double basses but played an octave lower than written!