The Eighth Note
This is an eighth note. It lasts for half a count. There are eight eighth notes in one bar of * time.
Two eighth notes joined together.
When eighth notes are joined together the tails are replaced by one beam.
Four eighth notes joined together.
When you begin playing songs containing eighth notes, take them slowly at first until you gain control of all the notes. Once you are comfortable with the whole tune, gradually increase the tempo until you can play along with the CD. Since there are more notes now, you may need to breathe every two bars at first. You do not have to wait for a breath mark to breathe. Most sheet music does not contain breath marks so it is up to you to decide the best place to breathe.
Here's one using eighth notes in ^ time. Remember to count to yourself as you play.
Sharp Signs
This is a sharp sign.
When a sharp sign is placed in front of a note it raises the pitch of the note by one semitone. The note F# is one semitone higher than F.
The Note F#
A sharp sign is always placed before the note.
Here is another example which uses the F# note. Be sure to tongure all the eighth notes as there are no slurs in this tune.
