music-score/docs/musicxml-spec/elements/line.md

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source: https://www.w3.org/2021/06/musicxml40/musicxml-reference/elements/line/

downloaded: 2026-01-30T08:42:25.337Z

The element | MusicXML 4.0

MusicXML 4.0 >

MusicXML reference >
Elements >
line

The element

Parent elements:

    <clef>, 

    <part-clef>

Line numbers are counted from the bottom of the staff. They are only needed with the G, F, and C signs in order to position a pitch correctly on the staff. Standard values are 2 for the G sign (treble clef), 4 for the F sign (bass clef), and 3 for the C sign (alto clef). Line values can be used to specify positions outside the staff, such as a C clef positioned in the middle of a grand staff.

Content

staff-line-position

Attributes

None.

Examples

This element is used in the following examples:

and , , and , , , , , , , (Lines), , , , Alto Clef, Baritone C Clef, Baritone F Clef, Bass Clef, Bass Clef (Down Octave), Mezzo Soprano Clef, Soprano Clef, TAB Clef, Tenor Clef, Treble Clef, Tutorial: Après un rêve, Tutorial: Chopin Prelude, Tutorial: Chord Symbols, Tutorial: Hello, World, Tutorial: Percussion, Tutorial: Tablature, Vocal Tenor Clef