Standard notation is the universal language of music, written on a staff of five lines and four spaces. Each line and space represents a specific pitch. For guitar, music is usually written in the treble clef, which assigns the note G to the second line from the bottom.
- The staff has 5 lines and 4 spaces.
- Each line and space corresponds to a different pitch.
- The treble clef is used for guitar; it places G on the second line.
| Line/Space | Note (Treble Clef) |
|---|---|
| Lines | E, G, B, D, F |
| Spaces | F, A, C, E |
Notes are symbols that show the pitch and duration of a sound. The higher a note is placed on the staff, the higher the pitch. Common note shapes include:
- Whole note: open circle (4 beats)
- Half note: open circle with stem (2 beats)
- Quarter note: filled circle with stem (1 beat)
- Eighth note: filled circle with stem and flag (1/2 beat)
Rests represent silence for a specific duration, with symbols matching note lengths.
- Whole rest: hangs from 4th line (4 beats)
- Half rest: sits on 3rd line (2 beats)
- Quarter rest: squiggly line (1 beat)
- Eighth rest: similar to a number 7 (1/2 beat)
Rhythm is how notes and rests are arranged over time. The time signature (like 4/4 or 3/4) tells you how many beats are in each measure and what kind of note gets one beat. Measures (or bars) are segments of time separated by vertical lines (bar lines).
- Time signature numerator = number of beats per measure
- Time signature denominator = type of note that gets one beat
- Bar lines divide the music into measures
On the guitar, notes on the staff correspond to specific frets and strings. Low E string is the open E on the bottom line, and notes ascend up the staff as you move to higher frets and strings.
- Guitar is a transposing instrument: written music sounds an octave lower than it appears (open high E string is written at E above middle C).
- The bottom line of the staff (E) matches the open low E string for bass notes.
Conclusion
Standard notation reveals the precise pitches, rhythms, and expressions composers intend, making it an essential skill for any serious guitarist.
- A music staff with a treble clef, lines, and spaces is the basis for notation.
- Notes and rests show sounds and silences with exact durations.
- Time signatures and bar lines organize the rhythm.
- Knowing how notation maps to guitar strings and frets opens up new music at any level.
Exercises
- What are the names of the lines on a treble clef staff from bottom to top?
- How many beats does a half note get, and what does its symbol look like?
- Which clef is used for guitar notation, and why?
- What info does a time signature give you? Give an example.
- How does a quarter rest differ from a quarter note in appearance?
- Match these notes to their durations: whole note, half note, quarter note.
- Identify the pitches of open strings on guitar when written in treble clef.