How do I know the timing of the notes?
The reason that the timing of the notes is not shown in the DecPlay song sheets, is this would significantly slow down the learning process as you would have to read the timing for every single note.
If you are familiar with a song or piece of music, this means you already know the timing of the melody in your head. Therefore it is much easier to play the timing of the melody by reference to the words of the song and your memory of how the song sounds. This also works for classical pieces as you will already know the rhythm of the melody and as the chords are often spaced out in regular intervals, which helps to keep a regular beat in the music.
Do I need to be familiar with the song I am learning?
I don’t recommend students try playing songs that they are not familiar with, as this makes life really hard and misses out on the motivation which is gained by playing a song that you like already. If you do want to do this however, you can become familiar with the melody (and thereby the timing) by listening to the song a few times.
In addition, if you play along with a demonstration of the song, this also shows you the timing and rhythm. You can slowdown the videos e.g. to half speed to make this easier to play along with, when you are learning.
Being familiar with how the tune goes, means that you don't need to know the time signature or count beats. Simply follow the melody notes and play them as you remember the tune goes. This makes learning songs much more intuitive and fun, compared to counting beats.
Info on the timing of the notes
The spaces between notes give a rough indication of a pause. The chords keep regular time - usually 4 beats per chord (or 3 beats for waltz type music). The melody timing is guided by the chords, the words and by your knowledge of the song. If you are not familiar with the song, playing the demonstration video a few times should provide familiarity.
The chords shown on DecPlay sheets often follow a regular pattern, which also helps to keep a regular 'flow' to the music.
Time signatures
Most songs are in 4/4 time ie patterns of 4 beats (often 4 beats per chord). Examples include Let It Be and Beethoven's Ode To Joy.
The next most common time signature is 3/4 which is patterns of 3 beats, which is the 'waltz' style. Examples of 3/4 time include the Blue Danube and Happy Birthday.
Flexibility in how you play the timing of notes
It is usually best to keep a constant pulse with the chords but there can be flexibility in the rhythm of the melody.
For the majority of songs, chords are often played on the first beat of each pattern of 4 beats (or 3 beats if it is a waltz style).
The rhythm of the melody notes is indicated in relation to the chords, eg directly above the chord in the music, if it is played at the same time as the chord. The rhythm of the melody notes can be altered to fit whatever version of the 'tune' you are most familiar with, or think sounds best. Different singers sometimes alter the timing of the melody to suit their preferred style and in the same way, you can alter the timing, when you are playing the song on piano.
As long as you keep a constant pulse with the chords and the melody is generally played close to the position shown in the music, then the song should sound fine.