The Half Bar Rolling Technique
The following example contains whole notes, whole rests, half notes and half rests. In this example, the first finger is flattened across the first 3 strings. This is called a half bar. Don't hold it too tightly. Allow the finger to roll across the strings to sound each new note clearly without the previous note ringing. This technique is common in lead guitar playing, so practice it each day until you can do it easily.
Quarter Note Rhythms
This is a quarter note.
It lasts for one beat.
There are four quarter notes in one bar of * time.
This is a quarter rest.
It indicates one beat of silence.
Do not play any note. Small counting numbers are placed under rests.
This example demonstrates the use of quarter notes and quarter rests. Using rests is an effective way of leaving space for other instruments.
This example makes use of whole, half and quarter notes and their equivalent rests.
Eighth Note Rhythms
This is an eighth note.
It lasts for half a count.
There are eight eighth notes in one bar of * time.
When you use eighth notes, there are many more rhythmic possibilities than when using whole, half and quarter notes. For this reason it is a good idea to have a systematic approach to gaining control of eighth notes. To begin with# try playing through the pentatonic scale using a quarter note on the first beat of the bar and eighth notes for the rest of the bar.
