How to Read Music
There are two methods used to write guitar music. First is the traditional music notation method (using music notes, e.g., 1 3 5 6) and the second is tablature. Both are used in this book but you need only use one of these methods. Most guitarists find tablature easier to read, however, it is very worthwhile to learn to read traditional music notation as well as nearly all sheet music you buy in a store is written in traditional notation.
Tablature
Tablature is a method of indicating the position of notes on the fretboard. There are six "tab" lines each representing one of the six strings of the guitar. Study the following diagram.
When a number is placed on one of the lines, it indicates the fret location of a note. Here are some examples:
This indicates the open 3rd string (a G note).
This indicates the 3rd fret of the 5th string (a C note).
This indicates the 1st fret of the 1st string (an F note).
Music Notation
Music Notation is the traditional and most common method of writing music for all sorts of musical instruments.
The Staff or Stave
There are five lines used in music notation called the staff or stave.
The Treble Clef
This symbol is called a treble clef. There is a treble clef at the beginning of every staff of guitar music.
The Treble Staff
A staff with a treble clef written on it is called a treble staff.
Music Notes
There are only seven letters used for notes in music. They are:
These notes are known as the musical alphabet and indicate the pitch of the note to be played.
Musical notes are written in the spaces and on the lines of the treble staff:
The Quarter Note
This music note is called a quarter note. A quarter note lasts for one beat.
Bar lines are drawn across the staff, which divides the music into sections called bars or measures determined by the time signature. A double bar line signifies the end of an important section of music, while a final bar line is written at the end of a piece.
The Four Four Time Signature
These two numbers placed after the treble clef are called the four four time signature. The * time signature tells you there are four beats in each bar. There are four quarter notes in one bar of music in * time.
Notes and Rest Values
There are many other types of time signatures, notes and rests values used in music that you will learn as you progress:
