In this Learning Guitar lesson we will take a closer look at the staff. We will start to learn which notes go where. At the same time we will learn our first two songs.
Playing and Counting
Let’s move on to a rhythm example that uses a mixture of whole notes, half notes and quarter notes. I’m going to perform this on a high E string. You can follow along with the music at the bottom of the screen in the video (or practice with the notes shown below).
Now let’s play it together. Remember to tap your foot and count to four.
Notes on the First String
There are three notes on the high E string in open position. They are E, F and G.
E is the top space. F is the top line. And G is just above the staff.
On the fret board, E corresponds with the open first string (no strings are pressed). F is played at the first fret with the first finger, not actually on the fret wire itself, but behind it, towards the nut. Press firmly and add pressure with help of your thumb behind the neck. G is at the third fret played with the third finger.
Notes on the Second String
The notes on the second string are B, C and D.
B is the note on the middle line. C is the third space. D is the fourth line on the staff.
On the fret board, B corresponds to the open second string. C is at the first fret of the second string. And D is at the third fret.
Ode To Joy
The first song we’re going to play together is “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. We’ll play it first at a slow tempo and then again at a faster tempo.
Notes on the Third and Fourth String
Let’s move to the third and fourth strings. In open position, we’re only dealing with two notes on the G string: G and A. On the staff, G is the second line and A is the second space.
On the fret board, G corresponds to the open third string. A is at the second fret of the third string. A is played with the second finger.
D, E, and F are the notes found on the fourth string. On the staff, D is the note right below the staff. E is the first line of the staff and F is the first space.
On the fret board, D is the fourth string, open. E is the second fret, played with the second finger. And F is the third fret, played with the third finger.
Let It Be
Let it Be from the Beatles has notes on the top four strings. It starts with a pickup note, so when you hear the metronome start playing on the fourth click. And also in Let It Be, you’ll come across a new rhythm figure, the dotted half note which receives three beats. Play it first at a slow tempo, then again at a fast tempo.
