How to Read Notes on the D String

D, E, and F and the Fourth String

D on the Fourth String

The pitch of the open fourth string is D. This note is found on the first space below the treble clef staff:

E on the Fourth String

E is on the second fret of the fourth string. Play D with the second finger.

Fretting E

E is on the first line of the staff:

F on the Fourth String

F is on the third fret of the fourth string. Play this note with the third finger.

Fretting F

F is found on the first space of the staff:

Exercises

Exercise 1: D, E, and F in Dotted Half Notes

D, E, and F on the fourth string in dotted half notes

Exercise 2: D, E, and F in Quarter Notes

D, E, and F on the fourth string in quarter notes

Exercise 3: D, E, and F in Mixed Rhythms

D, E, and F on the fourth string in mixed rhythms

Exercise 4: Playing All Notes on the First Four Strings Ascending and Descending

Playing notes on the first four strings ascending and descending

Exercise 5: Notes on the First Four Strings in Mixed Rhythms

Repeat Signs

A repeat sign indicates that a section of music or even an entire piece is to be repeated. The sign is a double bar with two dots in front of it. One bar is thicker than the other. If a piece has a single repeat sign at the end of the music, the piece should be repeated once from the beginning:

Exercise 6: Notes on the First Four Strings with a Repeat Sign

The exercise below is based on the chord progression from Pachelbel's Canon. Play all the way to the end and repeat once from the beginning.

Melodies

Margaret Sheehan

This melody is from O'Neill's Music of Ireland.