Understanding Musical Notation: What Does a 5 Before a Music Note Mean?

When you come across a number 5 before a music note, it can often be confusing. This article will explore what it means, particularly when playing classical guitar. We'll discuss the usage of numbers and letters in guitar notation, and clarify common practices and notations.

What Is a 5 Before a Music Note?

If you encounter a 5 before a music note in your sheet music while playing classical guitar, it typically indicates that the note should be played on the fifth fret.

For example, if the note “E” is indicated by a 5, it means you should play it on the fifth fret of the second string, instead of the open “E” string first string. This notation is particularly useful for avoiding awkward or overly wide stretches on the fretboard.

Standard Notation Practices

In classical guitar notation, a number with a circle around it often indicates which specific string to play. For instance, a “5 in a circle” means play that note on the fifth string, which is typically the A string in the standard EADGBE tuning.

Conversely, a number without a circle around it generally refers to the finger position on the fretboard. For example, a “2” implies you should place your finger on the second fret.

Position Notation

Position notation in classical guitar often uses Roman numerals, where “V” indicates fifth position. This means all notes played in that passage should be relative to the fifth fret. However, the most common use of this notation is to indicate barres.

Barre Notation

A barre typically involves pressing down several frets with one finger. This is often denoted with initials like “BV” for “Barre Virgule.” The number following these initials might indicate how many strings are involved in the barre. For example, “BV6” means a five-string barre, while “BV3” indicates a three-string barre.

In addition, you might encounter “BV1/2,” which means a half-barre, affecting three strings, usually the higher ones.

Other Notations

Outside of these, the number 5 is rarely used in guitar notation unless it specifically indicates the fifth string. It is commonly stumped when a 5 is seen without a circle, as it would contradict the standard notation practices where numbers without a circle are reserved for finger positions, which only go up to 4. Similarly, a 5 would not be used for playing hand fingering as those are usually denoted with letters P (pinky), i (index), m (middle), a (ring), and occasionally c (thumb). Additionally, it is uncommon to see 5 used for barre chords, as they are typically indicated with Roman numerals.

Real-World Application

To avoid confusion, it's crucial to understand the context. For example, on the treble clef staff, the “C” on the third line often appears on the fifth fret of the third string. This notation is used to keep your hand in a more comfortable position, preventing stretching or unnecessary movement.

Using a 5 before a note on a particular string is a common practice to ensure you play in the correct position and avoid awkward hand movements. However, it is always best to reference the specific piece and context of the score.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of musical notation can be challenging, especially when encountering unique symbols and practices. Understanding what a 5 before a music note means is just one aspect of mastering classical guitar. By familiarizing yourself with standard and position notation, you can enhance your playing experience and technique.