The Lead-In

Lesson 3/53 | Study Time: 5 Min
The Lead-In

The Lead-In

Sometimes a song does not begin on the first beat of the bar. Any notes which come before the first full bar are called lead-in notes (or pick-up notes). When lead-in notes are used, the last bar is also incomplete. The notes in the lead-in and the notes in the last bar add up to one full bar. When you are playing chords do not strum until the first full bar, after the lead-in notes.

Do not begin strumming until after the lead-in notes.

Rhythm Pattern

Things To Remember

  • Count carefully to yourself to make sure you are playing the lead-in notes correctly.
  • Play notes on the first fret (C) with your first finger.
  • Play notes on the second fret (A) with your second finger.
  • Play notes on the third fret (D) with your third finger.

The Whole Note

This is a whole note.
It lasts for four beats.
There is one whole note in one bar of * time.

Rhythm Pattern

Rhythm Pattern

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