Notes on the 2nd String
The B Note
To play the note B, pick the open 2nd string.
The C Note
Play the C note with the first finger of your left hand just behind the first fret of the 2nd string.
The D Note
Play the D note with the third finger of your left hand just behind the third fret of the 2nd string.
Note Stems
- 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.
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 blue numbers indicate when a note or strum is played. The smaller grey numbers indicate to hold the previous note or strum until the next blue number. The following examples use all of 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.
This song is the melody to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Instead of writing the strumming above each bar of music, it is easier to write it as a Rhythm Pattern. This indicates which strumming pattern to use in each bar throughout the song. In bar 8 there are two chords in the bar. Each one receives two counts. Remember to use the slide finger when changing between the G and D7.
Rhythm Pattern
C Major Chord
C
To play the C chord place your first, second and third fingers of your left hand as shown in the diagram. Strum all six strings.
