playing piano (question is too large to fit here)?

Question

just think of the right hand portion. the count is 3 over 4. there's a half note with a quarter rest right beneath it, then another half note, and a quarter note, in the same measure. Ok, so i'll explain in more detail. the right hand plays E and G (half notes) with a quarter rest under them, then C (half note), then E and G again (quarter note)...the left hand plays C (three-quarter note) throughout the measure. My question is how do i play it, because the quarter rest and he whole five-beats-in-a-three-count-measure kinda threw me off...I'm slowly teaching myself how to play piano. not the smartest idea, but i didn't like the lessons i was taking. I know the basics and a little bit more, but this stuff is completely new.

Answer 1

Look at the stems. Some go up and some go down. Separate the notes according to the direction of the stems. You will count exactly three counts for each of the directions. This is called layering. It's lilke writing for both hands in one staff. Hope that clarifies.