Bar Lines
Bar lines are drawn vertically across the notation, which divides the music into sections called bars or measures. A double bar line signifies either the end of the music, or the end of an important section of it.
The Four Four Time Signature
These two numbers are called the four four time signature.
They are placed at the beginning of standard music notation.
The * time signature tells you there are four beats in each bar.
There are four quarter notes in one bar of music in * time.
The Quarter Note
This music note is called a quarter note.
It lasts for one beat.
There are four quarter notes in one bar of * time.
This example contains chords played in quarter notes exhaling and inhaling on holes 1 , 2 and 3. As you play the example, all of your air should be directed through your mouth and harmonica, with none escaping through your nose, or around the corners of your mouth. Tap your foot and count mentally as you play to help make sure that all the notes are of equal length. The two dots just before the double bar at the end of this example are called a repeat sign and indicate that the example is to be played again from the beginning.
The Whole Note
This is a whole note. It lasts for four beats.
There is one whole note in one bar of * time.
The whole note is the longest note commonly used in music.
As with the previous example, count mentally and tap your foot as you play to help you keep time. Make a habit of this with each new thing you learn.
The Half Note
This music note is called a half note.
It has a value of two beats.
There are two half notes in one bar of * time.
Be sure to hold the whole note in the last bar of this example for its full value. It should end where you would count 1 for the next bar if there was a following bar. This principle can be applied to all notes which last for one beat or more: i.e. the note ends right on the count of the following note or rest.
