The Basic Concept
The basic concept of how sheet music shows simultaneously played notes is a very simple
one to grasp. However, it requires some practice to be able to put this into effect on your
instrument.
The basic concept is this...
This note....
....shows that a Middle C should be played.
This...
....shows that a Middle C and the E above it should be played at the same time.
And this...
....shows that the C, E and the G above should be played at the same time.
Simple, isnʼt it?
As many notes can be put on top (or below a note) as can be physically played by the in-
strument(s) being written for.
In practice, you will come across this writing of multiple notes in 2 main forms....