The Three Four Time Signature
This is called the three four time signature.
There are three beats in each bar.
Three four time is also known as waltz time.
In three four time, the first note (beat) of the bar has a stronger feel than the other beats. When playing, the first beat of every bar should be played slightly louder than the others.
How many quarter notes fit in one bar of four four time?
How many quarter notes fit in one bar of three four time?
The Dotted Half Note
A dot after a half note means that the note is held for three beats. This is called a dotted half note.
How many quarter notes fit in a dotted half note?
Remember to play the first beat of a bar a little stronger than the others. Is your right hand thumb still resting on the low E (sixth string)?
Things to remember:
- Alternate i and m starting with i unless stated otherwise.
- Keep the left hand fingers curved and close to the strings.
- Count while playing.
- Look at the music, not the guitar.
This piece was written by a composer (music writer) from the 1900s and is the first classical piece you will learn. It has no repeat sign.
Beethoven is one of the best-known composers of classical music. He lived in the 1700s. This piece is a very happy piece, and, as the title implies, it means a dedication to happiness. Beethoven became deaf from an illness, but still continued to compose music.
On a piece of paper, copy the following words and music. Then compose your own piece using these words and cross each one out when done. It should be four bars long and have its own title.
