Hi gang! Well it's time that we learned another note. But before we do, let's do a quick review of all of the notes that we've learned so far: The whole note = 4 counts
The half note = 2 counts
The quarter note = 1 count
We also know (or we SHOULD know) that as far as counts are concerned:
2 half notes = 1 whole note
2 quarter notes = 1 half note
4 quarter notes = 1 whole note
So far, so good. What's next? The "eighth note".
An eighth note gets one-half (1/2) count. Now how in the world do we count in 1/2 counts you may well ask?
We do it by dividing the QUARTER note into two parts. The "number" part, and the "and" part.
Huh?
Okay, okay... That wasn't exactly true. It's the "number" part OR the "and" part.
Or and? Say again...???
It's really quite simple when ya see it. Let's do it step by step. First, let's look at the math.
2 eighth notes = 1 quarter note
4 eighth notes = 1 half note
8 eighth notes = 1 whole note
If that was true, then this is true too:
1 quarter note + 6 eighth notes = 1 whole note
1 quarter note + 2 eighth notes = 1 half note
2 quarter notes + 4 eighth notes = 1 whole note
1 half note + 4 eighth notes = 1 whole note
1 half note + 1 quarter note + 2 eighth notes = 1 whole note.
If you have any trouble with this, take each one apart. Ya gotta add up to 4 counts on each one of those puppies except for the second one (2 counts). It helps to know that 1 quarter note = 2 eighth notes. It is verrrrrrry important to understand this math before you go on.
Normally when we have been counting, we have been counting like this:
1...2...3...4...1...2...3...4... evenly. Right? So, in effect, we have been counting in quarter notes.
I just said that counting in eighth notes is like dividing the quarter notes into 2 parts -- the number part OR the "and" part. Okay, so let's do that:
1.&.2.&.3.&.4.&.1.&.2.&.3.&.4.&.
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
It has to take the same amount of time to say 1 2 3 4 as it takes to say 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &.
We are now counting in eighth notes.
An eighth note could be the number OR the "and".
Before we go on, let's take a close look at the eighth note.
The eighth note has that colored in circle, and it has a stem. The rule for the stem is the same as the rule for either a quarter note or a half note. If the stem goes up, it will be on the right, if the stem goes down, it will be on the left.
Attached to this stem is a thingydoo called the flag. The flag will ALWAYS fly to the right no matter which way the stem is going.
Now let's look at the exercise. You won't see a single eighth note that looks the way it's supposed to. Why not?
Often times (Not always -- it's important for you to remember that), eighth notes are grouped together in groups of 2 or 4. When this happens, instead of using flags, the eighth notes are tied together by a "bar" -- just like you see in the exercise.
So what's the best way to play eighth notes on the guitar? Use down-up (or alternate) strumming. Play the "number" with a down strum, and the "and" with an up strum.
The best thing for you to do with this exercise is to first "clap it out". Get used to how the rhythm is supposed to sound. Picture in your head whether you will need a down or an up strum for that note. Next, pick a chord. Any chord will do and play the exercise with just that one chord.
Remember, as always, strum one time for each note. But now ya gotta figure out how long to hold each note AND whether or not to use a down strum or an up strum. Ignore the measures at the end -- they have "rests".
Use alternate strumming for eighth notes, and down strums for everything else.
After you get used to playing this thing, start switching your chords. The best way to do this is to just mess around with it. Keep trying different chords. If I were you, I would not try a new chord for each eighth note. Instead, do one chord for each 2 eighth notes (one down and one up strum per chord).
This is a tough exercise, so take your time. Count slowly and evenly. Little by little as you get better at it, start to go faster.
Enjoy.
Professor Bruno Noteworthy
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Contributor's Note
Professor Bruno Noteworthy is a toon music professor who loves to teach the guitar to kids.
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![A chord [ 0 0 2 2 2 0 ]](img/originals/files-4/18259.jpg)
![C Chord [ x 3 2 0 1 0 ]](img/originals/files-4/18260.jpg)
![D Chord [ x 0 0 2 3 2 ]](img/originals/files-4/18261.jpg)
![E Chord [ 0 2 2 1 0 0 ]](img/originals/files-4/18262.jpg)
![G Chord [ 3 2 0 0 0 3 ]](img/originals/files-4/18263.jpg)
![Am Chord [ x 0 2 2 1 0 ]](img/originals/files-4/18264.jpg)
![Dm Chord [ x 0 0 2 3 1 ]](img/originals/files-4/18265.jpg)
![Em Chord [ 0 2 2 0 0 0 ]](img/originals/files-4/18266.jpg)
