Fermata

Just make the pause as long as you like it. In some cases, if you like it, you can play the note as a roll, again as long as you like it.
 
Also known as a 'birseye', it's a hold until someone cuts you off. Typically, that would be the conductor of an orchestra, but in a combo situation, it's usually a cue from the singer, or guitar or bass player.

If you're all by yourself, just hold that note as long as you like.

Bermuda
 
If the idea of "pausing" seems confusing, another way to look at it is... during a fermata, time/tempo/meter all stop moving forward, while whatever is written under the fermata sustains. At the cue to end the fermata - counting, tempo/meter all resume.

David
 
Back
Top