The Half Note
This is a half note. It lasts for two beats.
There are only two half notes in one measure of * time.
This song contains four measures of half notes using C and D.
The big numbers 1 and 3 tell you to play the note. The small numbers 2 and 4 in the previous exercise tell you to hold until the next note.
The next two songs use a mixture of half and quarter notes.
Because of the * time signature, there must be a total of four beats in each measure.
The Half Rest
A black box sitting on a line is called a half rest. It means there are two beats of silence. Remember that we place small counting numbers under rests.
This song contains half notes, quarter notes and half rests. Count out loud and tap your foot on each beat to help you keep time. If you have trouble with the timing, clap the rhythm with your hands until you can do it easily, and then play the song. If a rest comes after you have played a note, you must stop the note from sounding. To stop an open string, place the pick on the string.
