Editing Clef (section)

===Neutral clef===
[[File:Music-neutralclef.png|95px|left]]
[[File:Characteristic rock drum pattern.png|thumb|Simple quadruple [[drum beat|drum pattern]] on a rock [[drum kit]]. {{Audio|Simple duple drum pattern.ogg|Play}}]]

{{main|Percussion notation}}

The ''neutral'' or ''percussion'' clef is not a true clef like the F, C, and G clefs. Rather, it assigns different unpitched [[percussion instruments]] to the lines and spaces of the staff. With the exception of some common drum-kit and marching percussion layouts, the assignment of lines and spaces to instruments is not standardised, so a legend is required to show which instrument each line or space represents. [[Pitched percussion instrument]]s do not use this clef — [[timpani]] are notated in bass clef and [[mallet percussion]] instruments are noted in treble clef or on a [[grand staff]].

If the neutral clef is used for a single percussion instrument the staff may only have one line, although other configurations are used.

The neutral clef is sometimes used where non-percussion instruments play non-pitched extended techniques, such as hitting the body of a string instrument, or having a vocal choir clap, stamp, or snap.  However, it is more common to write the rhythms using × noteheads on the instrument's normal staff, with a comment to indicate the appropriate rhythmic action.