What is the name of the clef that is also referred to as the bass clef?

The bass clef is recognized as the F clef because of its distinctive marking, which encircles the second line from the bottom of the staff. This line represents the note F, which is the foundational pitch for the lower range of musical instruments and voices. The design of the F clef visually indicates where the note F is located, thus providing musicians a clear reference point for reading music in lower registers.

Other clefs serve different purposes: the G clef, also known as the treble clef, indicates the note G and is used for higher-pitched music; the C clef can represent various pitches depending on its placement (like the alto or tenor clefs); while the H clef is not an established term in Western music notation. This reinforces the uniqueness of the F clef in specifically identifying bass ranges. Understanding these distinctions is essential for musicians in knowing how to read and interpret music accurately across different clefs.