So far we have covered Quarter, Half, Dotted Half and Whole notes and will now add Eighth notes to our Reading Exercises. Eighth notes look like this;
Single Eighth note OR Eighth Notes joined by a 'Beam'
The Value of an Eighth note is 1/2 a beat or count long. The easiest way to count when playing is to add the word 'and', which means you would count like this;
1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and
By splitting up the count, each number & the word 'and' is held for a 1/2 beat or count.
A dotted eighth note would be held for 3/4 of a beat or count since a Dot after a Note or Rest means you hold it for the Full value + Half, thus 1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4 of a beat.
PRACTICE TIPS:
- Say the Note names to yourself as you play them to help remember them until you know them.
- Don't lift your fingers too high off the fretboard, a 1/4" at most will do. The higher you lift your fingers the slower your playing will be due to wasted movement.
- Keep the Thumb of your fretboard hand flat at the middle of the back of the fretboard neck. This will provide you with more control, better reach and faster motion.
There are 3 versions of each of the same exercises below:
- The first version just plays back the Guitar Notes on the score.
- The second version adds a Bass Guitar and Drum Kit to the Guitar.
- The third version only plays back the Bass Guitar and Drums but has the Guitar score for you to follow along with.
We have also included Guitar TAB with each Score for all exercises for reference and to assist those that know TAB but wish to learn how to read music AND for those that can already Read Music but want to learn TAB due to the wealth of Guitar TAB only scores.
OR Eighth Notes joined by a 'Beam' 
would be held for 3/4 of a beat or count since a Dot after a Note or Rest means you hold it for the Full value + Half, thus 1/2 + 1/4 = 3/4 of a beat.
& WHOLE NOTES 
