Music Rudiments

Throughout this book we will use traditional music notation and chord diagrams when needed.
This page will serve as a good reference point for your study. It is a guide to how we notate
guitar music.
Tones & Notes
Denition: A tone is produced by regular vibrations. Irregular vibrations create noise. Modern
day music uses notation to represent the tones we hear. The tones are represented on what we
call a sta. Which is made up of 5 lines and 4 spaces. The tones themselves are placed on the sta
as characters which symbolize a specic pitch. These are called notes. Notes are a graphic
representation of pitch and time duration. For example:
CHAPTER ONE
ELEMENTARY THEORY
The Rudiments of Modern Music
LESSON 1
Tone
A tone is produced by regular vibrations. Irregular vibrations
produce noise. The notation of modern musical tones is represented on
a staff of five lines and four spaces by characters called notes. The
following notes are used in modern music:
Whole 0
Half I
i i
Quarter
i i i r
Eighth
~ ~ U ~ ~ U
etc .
Sixteenth ~ ~ ~ ~ 6::6:::6J
etc .
~ ~ ~ ~ d " " " , , ~
Sixty-
etc .
fourth
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hundred-twenty-eighth ~ etc .
These notes represent tone lengths. If the whole note receives four
beats, the other notes are reckoned according to a fractional relationship
with this note. Their time values can be increased by one half when the
note is followed by a dot.
8
The notes represent the duration of a tone and have a fractional relationship with one another. Time
value may be increased by half when a dot follows a note.
Rests
Denition: Rests are another symbol we use to represent silence in music. The symbols used for
rests a dierent from that of a note. However they do represent the same time durations
respectively. Like a note, a rest may increase its value by half if a dot is placed after it. See below:
lR.ests .are sylmbols corresponding to the time values of notes, and
like notes, may be dotted to increase their value in duration by one half.
Whole
Half ...-.

Quarter
I t
Eighth etc...........
'I i
Sixteel1th
f
:;
etc...........


second
etc...........

Sixty-
etc...........
fourth
!
I
etc...........
Hundred-twenty-eighth
In singing from the modern system of notation, the letter names of I
the notes are fixed permanently on a five-line staff using two fixed clef
signs:
the treble (or G clef)

and
2: I
the bass (or F clef)
I _ i e I' T: iii iii Iii iii ! ; ,
- 0 -' i
:: :
.....
: : : :: : a=
g:
: : : :: :
" .

..
.. "
. . ..
.
.
.
.
t
d
i t
b
i 2
d
2 2 8
C D E P GAB c d e f gab c e fl gl at c e f2 g2 .2 b
2
c
9
SUBJECT: BEGINNING GUITAR AND MUSICIANSHIP GRADE LEVEL: 1
PAGE 3 OF 19
The Staff
Denition: The music sta is how we clearly communicate our musical ideas, it is the visual
expression of an aural art form. Music is written down on a series of lines and spaces which look
like this:
We use what is called a cleft to determine the name and pitch of the notes on the sta. In guitar
music the treble or g cleft is almost exclusively used and in this series we will use the treble cleft
which looks like this:
The notes on the sta are these:
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
#
0
#
# #
# "
# #
# #
# "
# #
# #
#
"
% % %
28
!
i m i m
# # # # # # #
& # # # # # # # &
# # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
%
34
!
i
#
m
#
# #
# #
$
# #
#
#
# #
$
# #
#
#
"
% %
42
!
i m
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
46
!
p
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # #
p
# #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # # # #
50
D
B
G
E
!
"
"
"
"
"
61
A
!
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
"
d
e
f
g a
b c d
e
f
g
!
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
%

1.) Draw in the notes for the corresponding letter name below it:
2.) Write the name of the note below the corresponding note written on the staff:
SUBJECT: BEGINNING GUITAR AND MUSICIANSHIP GRADE LEVEL: 1
PAGE 4 OF 19
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
#
0
#
# #
# "
# #
# #
# "
# #
# #
#
"
% % %
28
!
i m i m
# # # # # # #
& # # # # # # # &
# # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
%
34
!
i
#
m
#
# #
# #
$
# #
#
#
# #
$
# #
#
#
"
% %
42
!
i m
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
46
!
p
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # #
p
# #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # # # #
50
D
B
G
E
!
"
"
"
"
"
61
A
!
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
"
!
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
%
!
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
c f a e d g c b
!
"
2
!
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
c f a e d g c b
!
"
2
Rhythm
Denition: Rhythm is the organization of sound in time, or the time value assigned to a
particular note.
(See also the above example under tones and notes)
Notation issues which are guitar specic
Indicating the string to be used
1 A symbol such as the one at the beginning of this sentence is used to indicate the string which
the notes are to be played on. The number in the middle changes with the string intended. For
example the 6th string would be 6 the fth string 5 and so on. if an 0 is seen this indicates
the use of an open string.
Example from the literature (Context):
Indication of left hand ngers
In music notated specically for guitar we will often see number placed directly next to specic
notes. These numbers indicate which nger is to be used to fret that note. If an 0 is seen next to
the note it is intended to be played on an open string. (if you are left handed then it is tour right hand
which frets the notes).
Context: *See above example for context.
Position indication
Because you can play the same note in many places on the guitar we have what is called position
playing. Or Fret placement indications in our music. The position is indicated by a roman
numeral such as this: XII and indicates the corresponding fret number. So if you see the numeral
XII above the sta this means that those notes are meant to be played in the 12 position or within
SUBJECT: BEGINNING GUITAR AND MUSICIANSHIP GRADE LEVEL: 1
PAGE 5 OF 19
close proximity to the 12th fret of the instrument. There is generally some exibility in this and if
you are playing a specic position you may nd your self go above or below the indicated position
by a fret. This is not uncommon. A general rule of thumb is that 1 fret behind the position
indicated and 3-4 frets higher would be a good range of reach for the notes within a particular
numeral indication. As you develop good fretboard knowledge you will begin to come up with
your open ngerings for particular note combinations which may be dierent than that which is
indicated. Or you may need to come up with your own ngerings, this is good and it is
recommended that you write your ngerings into the score.
Example from the literature (Context):
Open Strings
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
%
0
% % % % % % % % %
29
!
% % % % % % % % % %
39
!
% % % % % % % % % %
49
!
% % % % % % % % % %
59
!
% % % % % % % % % %
69
!
% % % % % % %
76
!
% % % % % %
Write in the corresponding string number below the note of the staff; Then write into the
staff the corresponding note for the string named below the staff.
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
#
0
#
# #
# "
# #
# #
# "
# #
# #
#
"
% % %
28
!
i m i m
# # # # # # #
& # # # # # # # &
# # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
%
34
!
i
#
m
#
# #
# #
$
# #
#
#
# #
$
# #
#
#
"
% %
42
!
i m
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
46
!
p
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # #
p
# #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # # # #
50
D
B
G
E
!
"
"
"
"
"
61
A
!
% % % % % % % % % %
71
!
% % % % %
SUBJECT: BEGINNING GUITAR AND MUSICIANSHIP GRADE LEVEL: 1
PAGE 6 OF 19
t+
I I
COFTAL
'r-r-i l
@_
--1
0
c. vn
? / ,
|
,t-Jo
C
' 3
:
ol
-
?
I
' o
:
@
al
1
r,
J
r
, 2
,rlf
r
r He
r j
I
^ 4
V
#
33 00
11
00
22
22
33
22

22

44
,,

#
#

00
11
00 33
22
44

#







#

V
#
11
33
44

44
44 00
33 22
25
#


#







n

,,
00
44
33
11
22 44
00
33

n

#
#


n

#
11
22

V
#
44

22
28

,,

44

22
00
,,

44
33

V
#
33
22
44
33
,,,

31

00
44

11
33
44
00

V
#
44
22
44 33
00
11
22
34

11
22
44 33

.
J

.
J

.
J

11
44
33 44

.
J

.
J

.
J

V
#
33
00 33
37

22
11

V
#
33
44
00
40

#










00
44
11 22
11
33

n

00
11 44
33
00

22

n



Suite 3
Left hand position
In general the left hand should be placed in such a way that the thumb rests in the middle of the
back of the neck. A common problem among all guitar players is the use of excess pressure on the
guitar strings to fret a note. Use the minimum pressure exercise in this book to nd the right
amount (and minimal amount) of pressure you need in order to make a note sound clearly.
*Minimum Pressure Exercise: Place you finger (1,2 or 3) on the string just so
that it is lightly resting on the top of the string without actually depressing
the string. Then as you pick the string gradually depress the string until you
begin to hear a note. As as you hear a note clearly sounding stop applying
pressure. This is the proper amount of pressure to be applied while playing
guitar.
Pitch Matching activity
Now play one of the guitars open strings then sings the note. Your instructor will play a
string then you play the string and sing the note.
String Changing
These simple exercise will get you started feeling more comfortable with changing from string to
string on the instrument.
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
#
0
#
# #
# "
# #
# #
# "
# #
# #
#
"
% % %
28
!
i m i m
# # # # # # #
& # # # # # # # &
# # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
%
34
!
i
#
m
#
# #
# #
$
# #
#
#
# #
$
# #
#
#
"
% %
42
!
i m
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
46
!
p
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # #
p
# #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # # # #
50
D B G
E
!
"
"
"
"
"
61
A
!
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
"
70
!
% % % % % %
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
#
0
#
# #
# "
# #
# #
# "
# #
# #
#
"
% % %
28
!
i m i m
# # # # # # #
& # # # # # # # &
# # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
%
34
!
i
#
m
#
# #
# #
$
# #
#
#
# #
$
# #
#
#
"
% %
42
!
i m
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
46
!
p
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # #
p
# #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # # # #
50
!
% % % % % % % % % %
60
!
% % % % % % % % % %
70
!
% % % % % %
76
!
% % % % %
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
#
0
#
# #
# "
# #
# #
# "
# #
# #
#
"
% % %
28
!
# # # # # # #
& # # # # # # # &
# # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
%
34
!
% % % % % % % % % %
44
!
% % % % % % % % % %
54
!
% % % % % % % % % %
64
!
% % % % % % % % %
73
!
% % % % % % % % %
The Notes of the Guitars open strings on the staff
!
0
"
!
0
"
"
0
"
#
0
"
$
0
"
%
0
"
&
The Diatonic Notes of the Guitar in 1st position
11
!
#
1
#
3
#
!
0
#
2
#
3
#
"
0
#
2
#
3
#
#
0
#
2
#
4
#
$
0
#
1
#
3
#
%
0
#
1
#
3
#
3
$
&
% % %
19
!
#
0
#
# #
# "
# #
# #
# "
# #
# #
#
"
% % %
28
!
i m i m
# # # # # # #
& # # # # # # # &
# # # # # # # # #
# # # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
%
34
!
i
#
m
#
# #
# #
$
# #
#
#
# #
$
# #
#
#
"
% %
42
!
i m
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
46
!
p
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # #
p
# #
# # # # # #
# # # # # #
# # # #
i
# #
m
# # # # # #
50
!
% % % % % % % % % %
60
!
% % % % % % % % % %
70
!
% % % % % %
76
!
% % % % %
SUBJECT: BEGINNING GUITAR AND MUSICIANSHIP GRADE LEVEL: 1
PAGE 7 OF 19