Intervals at a glance
Count the first note as 1. From E to G: E(1) F(2) G(3) = a 3rd. But you don’t need to count if you know the visual rule:
- Odd (3rd, 5th, 7th): both notes are the same type. Line-line or space-space.
- Even (2nd, 4th, 6th, octave): mixed types. Line-space.
Intervals from the E on the 1st line
Left to right: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th (octave).
Scales and arpeggios
A scale is a row of steps: line, space, line, space. An arpeggio is the notes of a chord played one at a time, and it shows up as a row of 3rds: consecutive lines or consecutive spaces. See three lines in a row? It’s an arpeggio, and on the neck it becomes a hand shape that repeats.
Scale (steps), then a C arpeggio (3rds)
Chords: the bridge from chord charts
Notes stacked in the same vertical line sound together. The chords on a chart become shapes on the staff. Over time you’ll glance and think “that’s an Em” without reading note by note.
Common chords, written on the staff
Notes stacked on the same vertical line sound together. Tap the chord to hear it.
Nobody reads a stacked chord note by note for long. Every chord you learn to play becomes a stored shape, and reading chords on the staff turns into recognizing those shapes.
Quick check
Get every answer right to finish. Mistakes are part of it: read the explanation and try again.
1. Three notes on three consecutive lines form...
2. One note on a line and another in a space, far apart: it could be a...
3. Notes stacked in the same vertical line mean: