Progressing from lesson 2 we'll now introduce 1/8th note rests. The trick to rests is to continue counting but not play the rested notes. They can take some getting used to but work hard at them and they will become comfortable to play.


Listen to one section at a time and count along with the 1/8th notes. In the first four bars the 1/8th note rest is on the 4th note so if you are counting 1& 2& 3& 4& you will only rest on the 4 but play the &, so play the chart slowly to begin with and count it out.


The 1 2 3 and 4 are considered as the downbeat, and the & & & and & are considered to be the upbeat. Up until bar 17 the rests are on the downbeats either on the 4, the 3, the 2 or the 1. Get used to reading them because they can be used regularly. From bar 17 on the rests are on the upbeats, they are easy to play because they will sound just like a 1/4 note, but make sure you keep counting them to get used to them.


Go here for the Myriad Music Plug-in, in some cases you may have to restart your computer.


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