Which instrument is commonly written using the bass clef (F clef)?

• A. Flute
• B. Cello
• C. Piccolo
• D. Oboe

Answer: (B)

Bass clef marks the F line and is used for lower-pitched instruments. Music for the cello sits in a lower range, so its parts are most commonly notated in bass clef to keep the notes on the staff within comfortable reading space. The other instruments listed—flute, piccolo, and oboe—are higher-pitched woodwinds and are normally written in treble clef. While high cello passages can appear in other clefs, the standard notation for the instrument is bass clef.