Pick Up Notes
Source: Kids Music Theory
Pick Up Notes:
Pick up notes are notes that are played prior to the start of the song. They are sometimes referred to as a kick-off of kicking off the song. In the case of a guitar lead, pick up notes are mostly played without any accompaniment. In other words if there are several tracks of music in the song with such instruments as rhythm guitar, bass or other instruments, they are silent while the pick up notes are played by the lead guitarist.
How Many Pick Up Notes Are In A Song?
There is no set number of notes that can be played for pick up notes, and it varies for each song. Take a look at the graphic at the top of this article. The pick up notes consist only of (2) eighth notes before the other instruments join in the music.
In some types of music – Bluegrass for instance – Pick Up notes or a kick off can be as much as 2 or 3 complete measures.
How Do You Know If They Are Pick Up Notes:
Recognizing pick up notes is not always so easy. Sometimes they are hard to pick out. One fairly easy way is by looking at the first measure, as that is where they are located.
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If the timing is say 4/4 timing and you see only a few beats in the first measure, they are likely pick up notes.
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If you see rests of any kind in the first measure, followed by one to several notes in the first measure, it is likely those notes will be pick up notes.
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If there is a repeat sign bar marker between the first and second measure. It is likely the first measure contains pick up notes.
Why Is This Important?
Ok we talked about what they are and how to look for them, but why do I care? It is important to know this for the entire band or group or duet playing the song. Pick up notes can set the rhythm for the song, much like a metronome would. Also pick up notes can signal the down beat of the song is coming. That would be the first beat of the song where everyone starts to play.
Ever hear a music conductor say a one two three four? They are setting the beat of the song or in essence they are verbally saying the pickup notes.
As we have pick up notes in our lessons I will point them out to you so you can learn to recognize them and feel very comfortable knowing what they are and how to use them as well.
Tags: free guitar lessons, Kids Guitar Lessons, learn how to read music, pick up notes
