SIGHT READING MAGIC - Guitar Coaching

EXPRESS GUITAR : SIGHT READING MAGIC

Copyright © 2005 Mike Hayes - All rights reserved. www.guitarcoaching.com

SIGHT READING MAGIC A PRO’S APPROACH



TABLE OF CONTENTS • The Sight Reading Process ..………………………….……… 3 • How Melody is notated………………………….…….………..4 • Learn Note values …………………………….…….………….5 • Learn how rhythm is notated.…………………….……………. 6 • Rhythm notation using color ………………….…………....… 7 • Rhythm notation using language……………….……………… 9 • Learn location of notes on first string………………………….10 • Learn location of notes on second string………………………14 • Playing by ear ………………………………………….……...17 • Notes on first and second string ………………………….…...18 • Learn location of notes on third string……………..……….…19 • The “G” Mixo-Lydian Mode…………………………….........21 • Pattern recognition and memorization……………………...…22 • Understanding the musical language ………………………….23 • Learn location of fourth string notes ………………………….24 • The “D” Dorian Mode ……..…………………………………..26 • The “E” Phrygian Mode …………………………………..….26 • Word spelling in notes …………………………………….…..28

Is there anything more mysterious and painstakingly hard in the guitar world than sight reading? I doubt it! Over 85% of the guitar players I have known have been stumped in the sight reading category. If you have ever wanted to read music, I know you are going to enjoy this course. Page 2



Sight Reading is the art of ……….. 1 Understanding musical time notation 2 Being able to recognize the note symbols on the music staff 3 Knowing where these notes are on the guitar 4 The ability to do all these things FAST Page 3

Pro Session # 1 Objective : Understand the Sight Reading process Time Frame: 30 sec Break : 2 minutes



Music has three basic elements : Melody - Rhythm - Harmony Melody : is written with the use of notes moving horizontally across a stave. The stave (or staff) is a series of five straight lines ruled across the page.

Pro Session # 2 Objective : Learn how a melody is notated Time Frame: 1 minute Break : 2 minutes

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are written on these lines or in the spaces.

Guitar music is written in the TREBLE clef - signified by a sign placed on the extreme left of the stave. The TREBLE clef sign

The notes



Note values : The shape and design of a note indicates it’s time duration. Two systems are widely used for naming notes of different time value.

Pro Session # 3 Objective : Learn note values Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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Time Value Technical Name = 4 beat note a semibreve or (whole note) = 2 beat note a minim or (half note) = 1 beat note a crotchet or (quarter note) = 1/2 beat note a quaver (equivalent in time to half a crotchet)

The way the stem (tail) points (up or down) depends on it’s position on the stave. If it is below the middle line the stem is usually up and vice-versa.

4 beat note

2 beat notes

1 beat notes

1/2 beat notes



RHYTHM is one of the most essential ingredients in music. Music time-values are necessary to indicate rhythm. A simple mathematical system is used to signify exact duration of each note. First the stave is divided into equal time units by the use of vertical lines called BAR LINES. The space between two bar lines is called a MEASURE though it is often referred to as a BAR.

Pro Session # 4 Objective : learn how rhythm is notated Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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The first beat of each bar is usually accented (played a little stronger) to create a rhythmic pulse. Two vertical lines placed close together across the stave represent the DOUBLE BAR which indicates the completion of a section or piece.



Counting rhythm is a lost cause using the ‘one and two and’ method alone. The sound of the rhythm is what matters and whether or not you recognize the figure at sight. Visual color blocks are used in the following examples to illustrate the rhythm. The one beat note (crotchet) is represented by a square (as wide as it is high) and is colored black . Therefore the half beat note (quaver) is half as wide (blue.) The two beat note (minim) is twice as wide (red.) And the four beat note (semibreve) is four times as wide (green..)

Pro Session # 5 Objective : Rhythm notation recognition using color Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

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1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &



Another approach to learning and remembering the rhythm symbols used in music notation is to use the inherent speech rhythm of words. By transferring earlier learning experiences we can accelerate our music reading skills. When a child enters primary school because he/she can speak fluently, they are soon able to read and write. Similarly, we can accelerate our music reading ability by using the speech rhythm of words you already know.

Pro Session # 6 Objective : Rhythm notation recognition using language Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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come

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

hum drum

fe fi fo fum see you la- ter al- li- ga- tor

1 2 3 4

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &



Pro Session # 7 Objective : Learn the location of notes on the first string Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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E = 1st string open no fingers

F = 1st string 1st fret 1st finger

G = 1st string 3rd fret 3rd finger

Remember all notes on this page are played on the first string only.

E

F

G



Pro Session # 8 Objective : Mental rehearsal of first string notes Time Frame: 5 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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Practice playing the following exercise on your left hand fingers without the guitar.

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

• Tap your foot • Say the name of each note as you play the exercise correctly on your fingers Next, play this exercise on the guitar (using AUDIO EXAMPLE 1 as a guide.)

E F G E

AUDIO 1



Without looking at the previous page try the following examples. Play each exercise on your fingers (mental rehearsal) without the guitar. When you are confident that you are familiar with the notes play the exercise on the guitar

Say the names of the notes as you play. Don’t fall into the trap of writing the names of the notes under each note -

we want to look at each note and recognize it the next time we encounter that note in a piece of music

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1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

AUDIO 2

AUDIO 3

AUDIO 4

AUDIO 5



You don’t learn to read music by playing songs you already know! The purpose of this course is to provide you with the reading skills

to play any song of your choice.

Listen to the Blueprint For Successful Learning audio program.

Read through your free special report The Truth About TAB available from http://www.guitarcoaching.com/truth.htm

Start building your sheet music library of songs you want to play! I recommend http://www.guitarcoaching.com/sheetmusic.htm

Improper lighting can cause fatigue and eye strain. Be sure that your practice area is well-lit; if you are particularly sensitive to this problem you might solve it with full-spectrum lighting.

I highly recommend using a MUSIC STAND when practicing.

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Pro Session # 9 Objective : Learn the location of notes on the second string Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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B = 2nd string open no fingers

C = 2nd string 1st fret 1st finger

D = 2nd string 3rd fret 3rd finger

Remember all notes on this page are played on the second string only.

B

C

D



Pro Session # 10 Objective : Mental rehearsal of second string notes Time Frame: 5 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

• Tap your foot • Say the name of each note as you play the exercise correctly on your fingers

Next, play this exercise on the guitar (using AUDIO EXAMPLE 6 as a guide.)

B C D B

AUDIO 6



Without looking at the previous page try the following examples. Play each exercise on your fingers (mental rehearsal) without the guitar. When you are confident that you are familiar with the notes play the exercise on the guitar.

Say the names of the notes as you play.

Remember, we want to look at each note and recognize it the next time we encounter that note in a piece of music.

.

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1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

AUDIO 7

AUDIO 8

AUDIO 9

AUDIO 10



THE QUICKEST WAY TO LEARN TO PLAY BY EAR IS BY READING NOTES

That sounds like a crazy statement, doesn't it? But before being able to play an instrument “by ear” one must know where the different pitches and sounds are on the instrument - and the quickest way to learn where they are is by reading written music and then re-cycling the knowledge you acquire back onto manuscript* paper in the form of your own original material. Those mysterious written music-notes, which some guitarists seem to find so frightening can be your greatest friend and helper when it comes to getting your own ideas into final shape. Our seven letter musical alphabet even with the extra sharps and flats you will shortly learn, can never total more than twelve notes and remembering this entire set of sounds and symbols should be as easy as remembering twelve friends, twelve automobile models or twelve local phone numbers. You’ll soon discover that music notes are put together in ever-changing combinations to produce different melodies- just as different groups of letters are put together to form different words. As you progress from week to week, you will find where new melodies and chords lie on the guitar by reading the notes and learning to “listen in deeply” as you play them. Before long your ear will begin to guide the fingers towards the sounds your music needs and, if you can sing or hum those melodies in your head, you will soon be able to pick out the relevant notes and chords on your guitar. The most important reason I know of for learning to read musical notation accurately is to enable you to pick up any piece of music and instantly bring it to life, even if you have never seen or heard it before. Reading skills make thousands of songs available to you without wasted time or effort. * manuscript paper is special paper ruled up with music staves, available from most stationary supply stores or newsagents.

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AUDIO 11

AUDIO 12

AUDIO 13



Pro Session # 11 Objective : Learn the location of notes on the third string Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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G = 3rd string open no fingers

A = 3rd string 2nd fret 2nd finger

Remember all notes on this page are played on the third string only.

G

A



Pro Session # 12 Objective : Mental rehearsal of third string notes Time Frame: 5 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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G A G G A

AUDIO 14



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AUDIO 15

AUDIO 16

* Note - the mixo-lydian mode is a very important scale for “blues” soloing



PATTERN RECOGINITION AND HIGH SPEED MEMORIZATION Pattern recognition and high speed memorization, if properly developed, will hasten your progress towards mastery of sight reading. Due to the limited alphabet of our musical scale (A-G), we shall constantly encounter recurring note groupings. Learning to recognize them as visual and aural patterns NOT single notes is to be your first big reading goal. Analysis of Mike’s blues : Learn to look at printed music in two bar phrases. Notice bars one and two are the same as bars three and four and seven and eight. Did you also discover how bar one is the same as bar eleven? Note how bar five is repeated in bar six.

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UNDERSTANDING THE MUSICAL LANGUAGE Learning any new language requires that you first understand the symbols with which the language is to be written. Music is a language, and like any other language - it has its own set of symbols. The difference between music and other languages is that there are fewer symbols to learn in music, and they are simpler and easier to understand. Your first task is to become familiar with the names and functions of various symbols that relate to the primary parameters of music - PITCH and TIME ************ Right now you are reading a series of symbols placed in a certain order to form what you know to be words. These words are placed in a certain order to form what you know to be a sentence, and so on. You do this thing called “reading” so naturally that you probably don’t even think about it. Let me cause you to think a little longer about your ability to read. If I take two vertical lines, lean them on an angle towards each other and connect them with a horizontal line, I get a symbol that when described may not mean much, but when drawn on a page is immediately recognized as the letter A. It’s a symbol, a character, or code you’ve learnt and everybody agrees that it means the same thing. I can take this symbol along with others from the alphabet and form the words you’re reading. These words can pass along meaning to you. To pass along musical ideas we are going to use the same device, a series of written symbols that will convey a musical meaning. What you are currently learning is the vocabulary of WRITTEN MUSIC. Page 23



Pro Session # 12 Objective : Learn the location of notes on the fourth string Time Frame: 3 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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D = 4th string open no fingers

E = 4th string 2nd fret 2nd finger

F = 4th string 3rd fret 3rd finger

Remember all notes on this page are played on the fourth string only.

D

E

F



Pro Session # 13 Objective : Mental rehearsal of fourth string notes Time Frame: 5 minutes Break : 2 minutes

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D E F D

AUDIO 17



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AUDIO 18

AUDIO 20

* Note - the Dorian mode is widely used for “Jazz” soloing

AUDIO 19

AUDIO 21

Listen to AUDIO example 19 to get a feel for the “musical flavour” of the Dorian mode. I’m sure you have heard this sound in movie soundtracks (Clint Eastwood movies etc)

AUDIO 21 is an example of the Phrygian mode, again I’m certain you have heard this sound. Motion picture composers often use the Phrygian mode to add a “Spanish” or “Latin” mood to their composition.

* Note - the Phrygian mode is often used for “Latin” soloing.



REVIEW - Notes on the first four strings

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AUDIO 22

Play in your mind - first rhythm, then notes, then both together. Do not touch the guitar until your are confident you can play what’s written. In other words, first know what must be done, then do it. Practice hearing in your head the way the passage should sound. Then play what you ‘hear’.



WORD SPELLING IN NOTES The lines and spaces of the stave are named using the first seven letters of the alphabet A B C D E F G The following phrases make it easy to remember the notes of the stave.

To become more acquainted with notes and their names, think of words in everyday use which can be made from the first seven letters of the alphabet and write them in notes on the stave.

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WORD SPELLING IN NOTES Write the notes that spell these words, use 4 beat notes (refer to my examples on page 26.)

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Well there you are - you’ve taken your first steps in reading. Your first encounters with the elements of our music language. You’ve seen these elements represented on paper by the traditional set of symbols that look amazingly like a clutch of tadpoles sitting on a cluster of overhead cables. *******************

Time and again I’ve been told by guitarists “I didn’t learn to read music because it will effect my playing”………..

whenever I hear this I always smile and nod in agreement…….. because the truth is.……. being able to reading music WILL effect your playing ….…..it will make it easier to progress and understand what you’re doing without having to “re-invent the musical wheel!” ****************** MUSIC READING IS SIMPLE - THE HARDEST STEPS ARE THE FIRST, AND YOU HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THOSE. KEEP AT IT !

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Be sure to check out :

SIGHT READING MAGIC (PART 2)

Featuring: • Read and write music that ‘grooves’ • Linear sight reading • Understanding how keys work • Lateral sight reading • Notes on fifth and sixth strings • Ties, .rests and much, much more !

SIGHT READING MAGIC PART 2 is part of the EXPRESS GUITAR VOLUME 2 bonus package.

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SIGHT READING MAGIC - Guitar Coaching