Music Lesson: Introduction to the Note A and String Skipping

New Note: A

• We have a brand new note: A
• This is located at the second fret on the G string.

Comparing Octaves

• As with the E, we can compare the two octaves.
• Play the A string and the second fret on the G string.
• You should hear they are the same pitch, just in different ranges:
  • One is lower.
  • One is higher.
  • Both are A's.

Rests in Bar Four

• In bar four, we see three beats worth of rest:
  • A quarter note rest on beat two.
  • A half note rest on beats three and four.
• We will finish on beat one, and the rest of the bar will be silent.

Dotted Half Notes

• At the start, we have dotted half notes as well, which is C for three beats.
• This transitions to an E, which is the second fret on the D string.

Finger Positioning

• Set your fingers up to play both notes:
  • Pluck the different strings to get the different notes.
  • For example, when playing C, your finger is already on fret 2 on the D string.
• This setup saves time and creates a smoother sound between notes.

Ring Finger Technique

• When you play the D string, slightly lift the ring finger on the A string:
  • This ensures the note finishes.
• Avoid producing a chord where both notes are ringing out.
• By lifting the finger, you release the pressure, making it smoother.

Timing

• Count and play:
  • 1, 2, 3, 4.

Bar Two Exercise

• In bar two, we revisit pop quarter notes with a quarter note rest:
  • F (third fret), rest on beat two, then F again, moving to G.
• The G will lead us into our new note A in bar three.

String Skipping

• Watch out for string skipping:
  • Previously, we played strings next to each other (E to A, A to D).
  • Now, we're jumping from the G string to the A string.
• I'll show an example to practice this shortly.

Slow Practice

• Let's try the four bars at a really slow tempo:

  • One, two, three, four.

• Repeat:

  • 1, 2, 3, 4.

• Note those three beats of rest at the end.

String Skipping Exercise

• To help with string skipping:

  • Play the E string followed by the A string.
  • Go back to the E string and then jump to the D string.

• Each time:

  • Return to the E string.
  • Move to the next strings: A, G, B, and finish on the high E.

• Finally, do this in reverse.

Benefits

• This exercise will help you get used to the different distances between strings.
• Gain awareness of missed strings and where to place your pick around the bridge.