As a general rule:
Here is an example using the notes E, F and G on the first string, along with B, C and D on the second string.
This is a whole note. It lasts for four beats. There is one whole note in one bar of * time.
This is a whole rest. It indicates one bar of silence. A whole rest in * time indicates four beats of silence.
The following example makes use of both the whole note and the whole rest. Remember to keep counting regardless of whether a note or a rest occurs in the music.
Rhythm Pattern
You now know two G notes. The open 3rd string and the third fret of the 1st string. These two G notes are said to be an octave apart. Octaves are discussed further in later lessons.
Rhythm Pattern
A Riff is a pattern of notes that are repeated. The following example contains a two bar riff played twice. The example is then repeated and ended by a whole note (G note).