Playing the guitar is an amazing skill. Keep in mind that great guitar players spend countless hours and years becoming great. It does not happen inthe first month or year of playing.You should use your class time to the fullest advantage. This means youshould

begin practicing as soon as you arrive

each class period. You should practice each song until you master it. You know a song is mastered when youcan play it rhythmically and without error 4-5 times in a row. All of this practicewill help you become a good guitar player.Good luck and have fun! Name________________________

www.romanmusic.org

Learn toLearn toLearn toLearn toPlay the GuitarPlay the GuitarPlay the GuitarPlay the Guitar

By Michael E. Roma By Michael E. Roma By Michael E. Roma By Michael E. Romannnn

Instructor: Mr. Roman

Positions When Playing the GuitarPositions When Playing the GuitarPositions When Playing the GuitarPositions When Playing the Guitar

Do you think you would laugh if you saw a professional basketball player shooting a basketball from his waist? I think I would. If a player used that position to shoot, his shots would be blocked quite easily.The short example above illustrates the point that in any activity the positions youuse can be extremely important. This is definitely true for the guitar.Below you will find a picture showing you the correct position for your handswhen you are playing the guitar. You will also find a picture representing thefretboard of the guitar, the part of the guitar where you place your fingers.**Please keep track of these positions as you are playing. Part of your evaluations will be how well you control your fingers as you play.

Thumb should be kept straight.Fingers arecurved.

These lines represent the fretsof the guitar. The frets are thethin metal bars that you findgoing across the neck of theguitar. The arrow points tothe first fret.These linesrepresent thestrings of theguitar. Thearrow pointsto the 1ststring, or high E string.

Frets

E A D G B E

TAB

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Fine

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D.C. al Fine

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Guitar Songs in Tablature

M.E.R.

Twinkle, Twinkle- A melody by Wolfgang Amadeus MozartJames Bond ThemeG Scale- One Octave

**Tablature is a system of notating music that usesnumbers to represent the fret where a finger shouldbe placed to make the correct sound.**For this exercise, use the same finger as is indicated by the fret number.Before moving on, rate yourself on these three things, 4 being the best:1. I am using the correct body and hand positions 1 2 3 42. I am keeping a steady beat 1 2 3 43. I am playing as beautifully as I can, without any buzzes or other extra noises 1 2 3 4** For these exercises, use your middle finger to play each note. Remember to support with your thumb.3