Stopping Unwanted Notes
Wherever a rest occurs, you will need to make sure no unwanted notes are sounding. This is done by lightly laying a finger (or fingers) across the string where the previous note was played by the left hand. You may also find unwanted notes ringing on other strings when you are trying to play only one note. If these are coming from the 4th, 5th or 6th strings, you can stop them by lightly touching the strings near the bridge with the heel of your right hand. If the unwanted notes come from the 1st# 2nd or 3rd strings, stop them by lightly laying the first finger of your left hand across the strings. As a general rule, both hands work from the outside string in towards the center (like scissors closing) when stopping unwanted notes.
The Half Note
This is a half note.
It lasts for two beats. There are two half notes in one bar of J time.
The Half Rest
This is a half rest.
It indicates two beats of silence.
