Chord Symbols
If you look at the following example, you will notice a line of letters and symbols above the staff (Em, B7, Em, etc.) These are chord symbols which indicate the harmony to be played by accompanying instruments such as keyboard or guitar. The chord symbols do not affect the notes you play on the tin whistle.
Notice the counting numbers underneath the staff. The bigger bold numbers tell you to play a note and the smaller numbers tell you to sustain it until the next note.
The Half Rest
A rest indicates a specific period of silence in music. The symbol shown here is called a half rest. It indicates two beats of silence. When you see this rest, count for two beats without blowing.
Small counting numbers are used under rests.
This example uses half notes along with half rests. Anywhere a rest appears in a piece of music is usually the best place to take a breath. To get into the habit of breathing when you see a rest, breathe on each of the rests shown here, even if you don’t need a breath.
The Quarter Note
This is a quarter note. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter notes in one bar of * time.
This example contains both quarter notes and half notes. Make sure you tongue each note.
