Playing Songs And Rhythms From Notation
This notation system enables musicians to describe songs or rhythms clearly, so that other musicians can play them quickly and easily. Here is the notation that describes one possible variation of the Random Inhale and Exhale Exercise from Lesson Two without using words.
Try it, without worrying too much about landing on precisely the recommended chords. Attempt to do the exhales and inhales in the correct timing, with one beat per chord, and just use the low (123), middle (456), and high (789) chords.
Following are the first few notes of some favorite songs that illustrate certain notation issues. Make sure that you understand the notation system, and if you like, play these examples. The complete songs will be presented further on in the text.
Notation For Holding Notes For More Than One Beat, And Other Complications
The first part of Jingle Bells can be notated so that the first two notes are held for one beat, and the third note for two beats, as indicated by the number of slashes above each note. This is then repeated.
Since you may not have mastered single noting, instead of using the note 5e, you can instead use the chord 456e that is centered around the desired 5e note. However, from now on, the notation will be written as though you were able to use single notes. So, if necessary, look at the notation to determine the desired single note, then use the chord centered around that single note. The rest of this song, which does require use of notes other than the 5e, can be found on page 63.
In the first line of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the initial jump from the 4 hole to the 6 may be a challenge. Practice the 4e to 6e jump separately for a moment, before playing. Use the 345e and 567e chords if you cannot obtain the single notes. Notice the inhaled notes under the word "lit-tie". The balance of this song is on page 31.
When playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and any other song, you have the choice of playing each note with a separate breath or puff of air, as described in the Staccato Effects section of Lesson Two. Or you can move smoothly from note to note, gently stopping and starting your breath to play the different notes (like the two beginning 4e notes), but without the sharpness that comes from using a puffing or tonguing effect.
In the traditional Afro-American song, Oh When The Saints Go Marching In, certain notes last for many beats. If you run out of air on the long notes, the version of Saints following this one may be more to your liking. The rest of this song is on page 32.
Notation For Silent Beats
Often songs have rests, which are beats or partial beats of silence. In this notation system, a rest is indicated by a timing slash which has no note written under it.
This version of Oh When The Saints Go Marching In with rests may be easier on your lungs than the former version. Use the rest after the long 6e to expel some breath while you locate the following note 4e.
