20 Intervals, Chords & Strums
INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will learn intervals, chords and strumming notations.
NOTATIONS
Harmony
A harmony is two or more noted that sound simultaneously. Below are two types of harmonies played on the guitar: the interval and the chord.
Interval
The interval consists of two vertically stacked notes. The stacking indicates that the notes are to be played simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously.
Chord
The chord consists of three or more vertically stacked notes. The stacking indicates that the notes are to be played simultaneously, or nearly simultaneously.
Strum Types
Strum
The strum consists of a wavy line that directly precedes an interval or a chord.
Down Strum
The down strum consists of a wavy line with an arrow pointing to the top of the score that precedes an interval or chord. The arrow direction indicates that the strum should start with the low pitches and proceed to the high pitches. Alternatively, an arrow pointing to the top of the score can be placed directly above the interval or chord meant to be strummed.
Up Strum
The up strum consists of a wavy line with an arrow pointing to the bottom of the score that precedes an interval or chord. The arrow direction indicates that the strum should start with the high pitches and proceed to the low pitches. Alternatively, an arrow pointing to the bottom of the score can be placed directly above the interval or chord meant to be strummed.
Rasgueado
The rasgueado is associated with flamenco guitar technique but is actually used in many genres. It is commonly notated in the following ways: with the abbreviation rasg., with the tremolo symbol or as a set of sixteenth notes in combination with up and down strum symbols.
Let’s Play |
Sight-Reading Tip
We open ourselves to judgement from others (and ourselves) when we play and perform music. These situations can build up character or take it down. On one hand, performing artists can develop resilience and healthy responses to criticism. On the other hand, performing artists can allow their creativity to be undermined by accepting judgement from people who can’t give informed and constructive criticism. Accepting criticism from the wrong source is like going to a Pakistani restaurant expecting to eat Mexican food. When hungry for feedback, consider the following before allowing another person’s judgement to have an effect on your artistic life. Is the person:
- capable of clearly observing the subject and event in question?
- qualified to comment on the particular subject in question?
- unshackled from a bias toward you or the subject in question?
- capable of giving critical yet constructive feedback?
- applying the advice given to you in his or her own life?
Checklist for Sight-Reading
- Count the beats out loud (including the &).
- Keep going (even if you make a mistake).
- Maintain your best playing posture.
- Look at the score, not your hands.
- Play with the feel of the meter.
- Play patterns instead of indivi