Guitar Theory Instruction for Note Reading

Guitar Theory Instruction is a lesson based on why and how guitar notes are written. The notes are written on a staff called the Treble or G Clef.

Beginning from the lowest note to the highest note all these are written on the treble clef for the guitar.

In Guitar Theory Instruction we will see that some sounds can go very low like the Tuba, Trombone and piano the use of the treble and bass clefs are used.

In guitar music instruction only the G clef is used. By observing the beginning of the music, the relevant clef will shown whether the music is in treble or bass clef. Incidentally the treble clef is used for voices(Soprano,alto and tenor and certain instruments like the Bb Clarinet, Flute, Oboe and guitar.

You need to know that the Bass instruments are written in the bass clef and these instruments are the Cello, Trombone, Basses and Bass guitar all these have its notes in the bass clef. It is only the Piano and the Organ, that read both the treble and bass clefs.

Guitar Theory Instruction of the Staff

Music notes are written on a Staff. The notes are written to form a measure. There is a bar-line between the measures. The 4/4 Symbol indicates that each beat gets a count, and in this case there are four counts in a measure 2/4/ means that each beat gets a count each in this case two beats in a measure.

There are five horizontal lines and four spaces that make up the Stave. Notes are written on the stave to indicate the required pitch. In the pdf file the notes on Lines and Spaces for Guitar Theory Instructionare are explained:

Notes on Lines and Spaces

Theory of Five Horizontal Lines: in Guitar Theory Instruction

There is a G or Treble clef sign at the beginning of the 1st measure. The first note is an E and it is held for four counts and it is called a Semibreve or Whole note, measures 2 and three have the same note E and is held for four counts.

1st line is E

2nd line is G

3rd line is B

4th line is D

5th line is F

Notes in the Spaces are:

1st space is F

2nd space is A

3rd space is C

4th space is E

Note Reading in Guitar Music Instruction Note Reading

This exercise in guitar theory instruction will help you get familiar with the five lines and four spaces. We will approach the five lines first.

The 1st measure has an E note on the 1st line, it is held for 4 counts and is called a Semibreve. Measures 2 and 3 are the same as measure one.

Measure 4 has 2 G notes on the second line it is called a Minum or half note and is held for two counts. Measure 5 is the same as measure 4.

Measure 6 are all Crotchets, all B notes and are on the 3rd line.

Measure 7 are all Crotchets, all D notes on the 4th line.

Measure 8 are all Crotchets, all F notes on the 5th line.

Measure 9 are all Crotchets, all D notes and are on the 4th line.

The Theory of Spaces:

In measure 10 we have the 1st space an F note, it is held for four counts and is called a Semibreve. Measures 11 and 12 are the same as measure 10.

Measure 13 has an A note in the 2nd space, it is held for 4 counts and is called a Semibreve. Measures 14 and 15 are the same as measure 13.

Measure 16 has a C note in the 3rd space, it is held for 4 counts and is called a Semibreve. Measures 17 and 18 are the same as measure 16.

Measure 19 has an E note in the 3rd space, it takes 1 count for each note and is called a Crotchet.

Guitar Theory Instruction: Rests Rests in Guitar Theory Instruction

These corresponding rests are the equivalent of the various notes.

In the first measure the Symbol is used for a Whole Note or Semibreve rest.

Measure two is the Symbol for a Half Note or Minum rest.

Measure three has a Quarter Note or Crotchet rest.

Measure four has an Eight Note rest.

Guitar Theory Instruction to Mix and Match Notes

Mix and Match Notes

The 1st measure has an E note, it is held for 4 counts each it is called a Semibreve.

The 2nd measure has two G note, it is held for 2 counts it is called a Minum or Half note.

The 3st measure has 4 A note, it is held for 1 count each note and is called a Crotchet.

The 4 measure has 4 note B,C,D,E, it is held for 1 count each and is it called a Crotchet.

The 5th measure has 4 notes F,E,D,C, it is held for a count each and is called a Crotchet.

The 6thmeasure has 4 notes B,A,G,F, it is held for a count each and is a Crotchet.

The 7th measure has 4 note E,F,E and G, it is held for a count each and is called a Crotchet.

The 8th measure has a C note, it is held for 4 counts and it is called a Semibreve.

Summary of Guitar Theory Instruction:

Remember the five lines E,G,B,D and F figures out to be Every Good Boy Does Fine

Spaces F,A,C,E makes out to be F,A,C,E. Try to work on the counting of the notes, examples are the Semibreve, Minums and Crotchets. Regular practice will definitely improve your Sight Reading. Lets Continue with our next lesson on:Guitar Notes and Positions

Guitar Notes and Positions

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