Using Ties
In traditional notation, a tie is a curved line that connects two notes with the same position on the staff. A tie indicates that you play the first note only, and to hold it for the length of both notes. A tie is not necessary in Tab notation where you can just follow the count. The use of ties is another common way of creating syncopated rhythms.
Pick the C note and hold it for 3 beats
Pick the first C note and hold it for 1p beats
The following example demonstrates the use of ties both within a measure and across barlines. The use of a tie is the only way of indicating that a note is to be held across a barline. Do not confuse the tie with the slur, e.g., hammer-on, pull-off, bend or release, which connects two notes of different positions on the staff.
To finish this lesson, here is a solo which makes use of all of the rhythms and note values you have learned so far. Take your time with it and learn it from memory. Take care with the timing of the notes and try analyzing it as shown in lesson 1. Once you have it memorized, play it at a slow tempo with a metronome or drum machine. When this becomes easy, increase the tempo a couple of notches at a time. Once you are comfortable playing the solo at a reasonable tempo, try playing it along with the recording.
