The Octave
Although there are only seven different letters in the musical alphabet, it is possible to find higher and lower versions of them at various places on the fretboard. The distance between any note and its next higher or lower repeat is called an octave. You already know two G notes–the open 3rd string and the third fret of the 1st string. These two G notes are an octave apart. The following example makes use of both of these G notes.
The Dotted Half Note
A dot written after a note extends its value by half.
A dot after a half note means that you hold it for three beats.
To finish this lesson, here is an example which uses all the notes and note values you have learned so far. Remember to count as you play and be sure that all your notes are clear and even. Take it slowly at first and gradually work up your speed until you can play more comfortably.
Know Your Guitars…
National Reso-lectric
This electric resonator guitar is great for playing the Blues. It has a resonator cone which picks up the acoustic sound and gives the guitar it’s distinctive tone, as well as an electric pickup so it can be played through an amp. It works equally well for fingerpicking or using a pick. With heavy strings it is extremely suitable for slide playing. By putting lighter strings on this guitar, you can also get great sounds when bending notes.
