Lesson 8: Sixth string notes E, F & G
Now we come to the lowest notes of the guitar in standard tuning: the sixth string notes,
E F &
G
Fig 8-1: Sixth string notes E, F & G
These are among the most difficult to read at first because of the number of leger lines involved in writing them, They need to be practised until you can see at a glance how many leger lines are there.
The following exercise focuses on those as well as other bass notes on the fourth and fifth strings. It's very common at first to confuse these similar looking notes on the bass strings, so this exercise provides some practice in recognising them.
This is also a useful technique exercise for playing bass strings using semi-regular fingering of the fretting hand. Practise slowly and gradually increase your speed. The midi demo is at 120 BPM (beats per minute). Aim for that speed only after you're familiar with where the notes are placed on the staff.
Fig 8-2: Bass notes - fingering technique exercise
The above reading exercise covers all the notes covered so far, arranged as an ascending and descending scale. This is also a good exercise for getting to know the names of the
natural notes of the guitar if you're not already familiar with them. Saying the note names aloud as you play them will help you learn them more thoroughly.
Further Practice
Use the 'pitch trainer' tool at the end of these lessons for more practice in naming and playing all the notes you've learned so far. Select level 2 (Bass and mid-range)