PLAYING OCTAVES

    We've studied playing DOUBLE-STOPS, which are basically two--note chords.  Another example of a Double--Stop would be Octaves.   Most of you are probably familiar with what an octave is-- it is an interval from one Root Note to the next-- or the eighth scale step. They will have the same note designation, but are either higher or lower.

   Here is a handout from your Guitar Workbook.  It is found on page 5--4 called "Octaves". Look at the strings and the relationships between them.   You should be able to see the relationships and why the notes on one string are two or three frets ahead or behind the notes on the other string.   Before you ask, "What in the World are you Talking About?"-- take some time going over these and asking yourself these questions-- what string(s) are these notes on?   

     I'll give you a little bit of help.   Look at the string names.   We'll use the first example on the Top Left.  The first note is on the "A" string.  The other note on is on the "G" string.  Take note that in the Musical Alphabet--- G is the last note of the alphabet--- and then A is the first letter.   So actually "A" comes after "G".   So because of this, the note on the A string is two frets BEHIND the note on the G string.   Look how this holds true for all of the other examples too.

     Here is an example of Octaves being played in a song.  This is the chorus of "Jingle Bells."   Although the fingerings for these double--stops are not given, they are discovered by ease of playing.   There are some "anchor notes" here, which allow you short--cuts in playing.   Take your time, and find the Right Way to play these.   If you have any questions, please ask me.

        Hope you enjoyed looking at this Lesson on Octaves.  See you in Class !