As we start our music notation reading journey, we can consider the open strings as points of reference. We will fill in the gaps and expand above the high e.
Here are our "fence posts". We will fill in the gaps and expand above the high e.
Try saying each string name and information about the note head location while playing the open string. As the string is articulated, such as the Low E string, say "this is string E, the lowest string, it is written as the note head in the minus four space, the space beneath the 3rd ledger line beneath the staff. It has 3 flat hats and if I draw a vertical line, it looks like a capital E." We see the note-head location in our minds and link it to a specific string address. And we practice...
The Trebles
Four at a Time
The high 3 guitar strings are the "treble" strings.
Twice, Then Once, Then Together
Treble guitar string exercise: twice, then once, then together.
Treble Bouncing
Bouncing around on the g, b, and e guitar strings in notation.
With a Mini-E minor Chord
The hollow head note is a half note - it gets two beats in 3/4 time. The dots add a third beat (dot adds half the value of the note, so a dotted half note gets 3 beats in 3/4 time - fills the measure).
Double Stops
Double stops are playing two tones together. We end with a triple stop.
Bass
And now the "bass" strings. They are the 6, 5, and 4 (E, A, and D).
Twice, Then Once
A half note fills the measure in 2/4.
Low Opens
E, A, and D! You got this.
Mixing
Mixing all the open strings and with 8th notes.
Easy Fingerpicking Arpeggio
pima = thumb, index, middle, "ring". Bass line changes while treble strings stay the same.
Duet One
Learn both parts.
Duet Two
Again, learn both parts.
Moving forward with our system, knowing these open strings will assist with learning the whole board.
