Reading Music/Tablature Questions
Date: Fri, 1 Oct 1999
The music question involves timing. The Tottle book says that four quarter notes takes the same time as eight eighth notes, etc. I have no problem with this as it implies that a measure is a fixed time length. However, I've not found anything telling me what the time duration of a measure is. I found a metronome program and the default is 80 beats per minute. It sound like 4/4 time which would say that there are 20 measures per minute. Is this correct or what am I missing in music theory? Thanks for everything. Ed
Hey Ed,
Music question: This is true: four quarter notes are equal to eight eighth notes...The time duration of any piece of music is usually not denoted...it would be up to the artist to interpret the piece and set a "heartbeat" for the piece. There are a few books that establish timing by denoting the metronome tempo of a piece at the beginning. For instance, in my "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" book, I've included a target tempo to be referenced by a metronome before every piece.
While using a metronome, you may adjust it for a faster tempo or slower one...the note duration within the piece will remain static in reference to other notes within the piece. The overall tempo may be set by the metronome established by your choice. This is very helpful for learning a piece since you can start out with a slow tempo to establish technique before attempting the piece at a target tempo. Hope this helps...Mickey
Do you think it will be difficult for someone to try and learn the mandolin without a instructor? (there are none in my area)
Not necessarily...although, I highly recommend personal instruction there are some compromised alternatives:
1. Videos...video instruction is the next best thing to having a teacher in the same room with you...
You can see, hear and repeat lessons until you've absorbed the material thoroughly...a video has all the patience in the world.
2. Books...many books include CDs now so that you can hear what you're attempting to accomplish through the written notation.
3. CDs and Tapes...again, a great alternative to having a teacher instruct you...you can at the very least hear exactly what you're attempting to learn...
Mickey
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