For a bass clarinet, what note is played when a written G is indicated?

The bass clarinet is a transposing instrument, specifically in the key of B♭. This means that when a player reads a written note, the actual pitch that sounds is a whole step lower than what is written. Therefore, when a written G is indicated for the bass clarinet, the instrument sounds an F.

This transposition is a fundamental characteristic of certain woodwinds, such as the bass clarinet, which are designed to accommodate the practicalities of ensemble playing by being easier to play in certain keys. Understanding this transposition allows musicians to accurately interpret their music, ensuring they produce the intended pitches when performing.