Notes on the First String
The following diagram illustrates the notes E, F, G and, A on the first string. Play them with the fingers that are indicated on the diagram and below the Tab notation. Practice them many times until you can play them from memory. Try naming the notes out loud as you play them.
The E Note
The F Note
The G Note
The A Note
Ledger Lines
A short line placed above or below the staff is called a Ledger Line. The note A (see diagram) is written on a ledger line
The following example makes use of the notes E, F, G and A on the first string. As you move from F (1st fret) to G (3rd fret) leave your first finger on the F note. This will create a smoother sound when you return from G to F.
Remember to play on the tips of your fingers and use all downstrokes with the pick. Listen carefully as you play and make sure your notes are clear and even. To help you develop a good sense of time, always use a metronome and tap your foot on each beat. There are two ways to practice this exercise: one is to name the notes out loud as you play and the other is to count as you play. Use both these methods until the exercise becomes easy.
The Half Note
One of the ways expression is created in music is by using notes of different values (lengths). Music is like a language, there are short sounds, longer sounds, emphasized sounds and silences. These will all be introduced in the course of the book. The following example contains both quarter notes and half notes. Count out loud as you play until you can play the example easily and evenly.
This is a half note. It has a value of two beats.
There are two half notes in one bar of * time.
One half note is equal to two quarter notes.
