The Lead-In

Lesson 3/62 | Study Time: 5 Min
Course: Saxophone Basics
The Lead-In

The Lead-In

Sometimes a song does not begin on the first beat of a bar. Any notes which come before the first full bar are called lead-in notes (or pick-up notes). When lead-in notes are used, the last bar is also incomplete. The notes in the lead-in and the notes in the last bar add up to one full bar. Here are some examples. Notice the Bb note written as a key signature in these examples, reminding you to play all B notes as Bb.

This early Jazz standard was a favorite with brass bands in New Orleans. It contains three lead-in notes.

The Common Time Signature

This symbol is called common time. It means exactly the same as *.

In this example there is only one lead-in note. Notice the use of slurs here also.

Previous Lesson Next Lesson
Peter Gelling

Peter Gelling

Product Designer
4.79
Profile

Class Sessions

1- Tuning Your Saxophone 2- The Whole Note 3- Using Eighth Notes 4- The Note F 5- The Note B 6- The Note D in the Middle Register 7- The Note F Sharp (F<span class="symbolA">#</span>) 8- The Note Low C 9- Syncopation 10- The Note E Flat (E<span class="symbolA">b</span>) 11- The Triplet 12- The Saxophone as a Transposing Instrument 13- Index of Fingerings 14- Glossary of Musical Terms 15- Parts of the Saxophone 16- INTRODUCTION 17- The Blues Scale 18- Before You Begin 19- The C Major Scale 20- Swing Rhythms 21- Using the Octave Key 22- The Note E 23- More titles by LearnToPlayMusic.com 24- The Lead-In 25- Putting the Saxophone Together 26- How to Read Music 27- The Note C 28- The Slur 29- Chord Symbols 30- Attaching the Mouthpiece 31- First and Second Endings 32- Enharmonic Notes 33- Key of C Major 34- Riffs 35- The Note D 36- Staccato 37- The Tie 38- The Note B<span class="symbolA">b</span> (B Flat) 39- Attaching the Reed 40- Keeping Time 41- The G Major Scale 42- Two Octave C Major Scale 43- 12 Bar Blues 44- Attaching the Neck to the Body 45- Breath Marks (<span class="symbolB">;</span>) 46- Key Signatures 47- Breathing Technique 48- The Key of F Major 49- Mixing Different Scales 50- Transposing 51- How to Hold the Saxophone 52- Breathing Exercise 53- The Note A 54- Fingering Numbers 55- Breathing Exercise 56- Fingering Diagram 57- Other Useful Exercises 58- Playing Your First Note 59- Posture 60- Tonguing 61- Incorrect 62- Correct

Your privacy matters

Cookies and similar technologies are used on our sites to personalize content and ads. You can find further details and change your personal settings below. By clicking OK, or by clicking any content on our sites, you agree to the use of these cookies and similar technologies.

GDPR Cookie Settings

When you visit any of our websites, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and manage your preferences. Please note, that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

  • These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms, or where they’re essential to providing you with a service you have requested. You cannot opt out of these cookies. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but if you do, some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
  • These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site, which helps us optimize your experience. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not be able to use your data in this way.
  • These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
  • These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.