Notes on the 2nd String
B Note
To play the note B, pick the open 2nd string.
C Note
Play the C note with the first finger of your left hand just behind the first fret of the 2nd string.
D Note
Play the D note with the third finger of your left hand just behind the third fret of the 2nd string.
Notes written above the middle line of a staff usually have their stems going down. Notes written below the middle line of the staff usually have their stems going up. The stem for the B note can go up or down.
This example uses the notes B, C and D on the second string. Practice naming the notes out loud as you play, and also counting as you play.
The Half Note
This is a half note. It lasts for two beats. There are two half notes in one bar of * time.
The Half Note Strum
This is a half note strum. It lasts for two beats. There are two half note strums in one bar of * time.
In the count the larger bold numbers indicate when a note or strum is played. The smaller numbers tell you to hold that note (or chord) until the next bold number. The following examples use all the notes and chords you have learned so far. The chord symbols and strums have been written above the staff. The melody line (notes) have been written on the staff.
