This lesson is packed with information and activities: fifth string notes, ledger lines, a new strum, and a brisk melody, Pie in the Sky. Let's get started!
Ledger Lines
The notes we learned thus far fall on the lines and spaces of the staff. To write higher and lower notes, ledger lines—additional lines and spaces—are used to extend the staff. For example, the highest note on the staff is G. To write the next higher note—A—a small ledger line is added above the staff:
Our lowest pitch so far is D, the fourth string played open. To write the next lower note, C, we add a small ledger line below the staff:
Ledger lines continue the same alphabet-line-space relationship used on the staff:
TAB
For TAB readers there is no change other than the appearance of new numbers.
Notes on the Fifth String
The diagram below illustrates the notes on the guitar's fifth string, the A string. The thumb is normally used to pluck the fifth string.
Memorize new notes by saying their name as you play them. Look at the notes in the score of Pie in the Sky and speak their names out loud. TAB readers should also learn the names of new notes and chords.
Study Questions
Identify the letter name of each note below [answer below]:
Now that you've learned the notes on the fifth string, work on Pie in the Sky.
Study Tips
Pie in the Sky Melody
Other than the new notes, the melody of Pie in the Sky presents few challenges. Pluck the melody with the thumb of the right-hand and work towards a goal tempo of allegro, about 138 BPM.
Listen to the Track
Before practicing, listen to the audio track so you can absorb the sound and feel of the melody.
Pie in the Sky | Melody only
Play the Melody Now!
Practice the melody of Pie in the Sky until smooth and flowing. Play along with the audio track or video to help tighten up your sense of beat and rhythm.
Once the melody of Pie in the Sky is learned, work on the chords.
Skyward Chords
Pie in the Sky has one new chord: F chord. It's similar to Fmaj7 but requires a new technique: a two-string bar (also called barré) on the first fret. To play a bar, use the side of your first finger to press down the first and second strings. Watch the video below for a detailed demonstration.
Half Bar | Press your index finger across two or three strings in the same fret.
If the F chord bar is too difficult to play in Pie in the Sky, substitute the Fmaj7 chord.
Full Bar | Honybal demonstrates a six-string bar on the fifth fret.
Jamaican Strum
Use the Jamaican strum for Pie in the Sky:
Fast down strum on beats 2 and 4
Mute strings on beats 1 and 3
How do you mute the strings? There are two ways:
Press the palm of your right hand-against the strings and/or
Release left-hand pressure on the chord
Here's an illustration of the strum-mute sequence (melody in TAB):
Pie in the Sky | Jamaican strum (no melody) | Peter Kun Frary
Pie in the Sky and Chords | "How to" video for the chords and Jamaican strum. | F chord advice (0:00) | Jamaican strum advice (3:01) | Peter Kun Frary
Putting it Together
We work on the melody and chords of Pie in the Sky with the goal of performing a duet. In a face to face class, we partner up and practice duets. If you're in a DE course, your partner is the audio track: play with the track, switching between melody and chords on song repeats.
Pie in the Sky | Melody and chords (1X)
The Frary Guitar Duo jammin' Pie in the Sky at breakneck tempo:
•••
Ledger Lines
Notes on the Fifth String
Study Tips
Pie in the Sky Melody
Listen to the Track
Play the Melody Now!
Skyward Chords
Jamaican Strum
Putting it Together
Answers
