3.1 Note values and rests
6 min read•august 20, 2024
Note values and rests are the building blocks of rhythm in music. They determine how long each sound or silence lasts, creating the pulse and flow of a piece. Understanding these elements is crucial for reading, writing, and performing music accurately.
From whole notes to sixty-fourth notes, each value represents a specific duration relative to the . Rests, the silent counterparts to notes, are equally important in shaping musical phrases and creating expressive effects. Mastering these concepts opens up a world of rhythmic possibilities.
Note value basics
- Note values are the relative durations of notes in music notation
- Understanding note values is crucial for reading and writing rhythms accurately
Whole, half, quarter, eighth notes
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- is the longest common note value and lasts for four beats in 4/4 time
- lasts for two beats, half the duration of a whole note
- is one beat long, half the duration of a half note
- lasts for half a beat, half the duration of a quarter note
Dotted notes
- Adding a dot to the right of a note head increases its duration by half of its original value
- lasts for three beats (two beats plus one more beat)
- lasts for one and a half beats (one beat plus half a beat)
- Dots can be added to any note value to extend its duration
Tied notes
- Tying two notes together with a curved line combines their durations into a single note
- Tied notes are played as a single sustained note, not as separate notes
- Ties are commonly used to extend notes across bar lines or to make rhythms easier to read
Rest value basics
- Rests indicate periods of silence in music and have equivalent durations to notes
Whole, half, quarter, eighth rests
- hangs down from the fourth line of the staff and lasts for four beats in 4/4 time
- Half rest sits above the third line of the staff and lasts for two beats
- resembles a squiggly line and lasts for one beat
- looks like a slash with a flag and lasts for half a beat
Multiple measure rests
- When a musician rests for several measures, are used to simplify notation
- A whole rest with a number above it indicates the number of measures to rest
- A whole rest with a "4" above it means to rest for four measures
Note and rest duration
- The duration of notes and rests is relative to each other and depends on the and meter of the music
Relative duration of notes and rests
- Each note value is twice as long as the next smaller value and half as long as the next larger value
- Whole note is twice as long as a half note, which is twice as long as a quarter note, etc.
- Rests follow the same relative duration relationships as notes
Metronome markings for absolute duration
- Metronome markings indicate the absolute duration of notes in beats per minute (BPM)
- A marking of ♩ = 60 means each quarter note lasts for one second (60 BPM)
- Faster tempos have higher BPM values, while slower tempos have lower BPM values
Notation of notes and rests
- Notes and rests are written on a five-line staff using specific symbols and placement rules
Note heads, stems, and flags
- Note heads are the oval-shaped part of the note that indicates its pitch
- Stems are vertical lines attached to note heads that point up or down depending on the note's position on the staff
- Flags are curved lines attached to the stems of eighth notes and smaller note values to indicate their duration
Placement on the staff
- Notes are placed on the lines and spaces of the staff to indicate their pitch
- The higher the note is on the staff, the higher its pitch
Beaming of notes
- Beams are horizontal lines that connect the stems of eighth notes and smaller note values
- Beaming helps to visually group notes and makes rhythms easier to read
Uncommon note and rest values
- In addition to the common note and rest values, there are less frequently used values that allow for more complex rhythms
Sixteenth and thirty-second notes and rests
- lasts for one-fourth of a beat and has two flags on its stem
- lasts for one-eighth of a beat and has three flags on its stem
- Sixteenth and thirty-second rests have two and three flags, respectively
Double dotted notes
- Adding a second dot to a note increases its duration by half of the value added by the first dot
- Double dotted half note lasts for three and a half beats (two beats plus one beat plus half a beat)
Sixty-fourth notes and rests
- is the shortest common note value and lasts for one-sixteenth of a beat
- Sixty-fourth notes have four flags on their stems
- Sixty-fourth rests have four flags and are rarely used in most music
Tuplets
- Tuplets are rhythmic groupings that divide a beat or beats into a number of equal parts different from the usual division
Triplets, duplets, and quintuplets
- divides a beat into three equal parts, with each note lasting one-third of a beat
- divides a beat into two equal parts in compound meter (where beats are usually divided into three parts)
- divides a beat into five equal parts
Notation and duration of tuplets
- Tuplets are notated with a bracket and a number indicating the number of notes in the grouping
- Triplet is notated with a "3" above or below the bracketed notes
- The duration of each note in a tuplet is equal to the total duration of the tuplet divided by the number of notes
Counting and subdividing rhythms
- Counting and subdividing are essential skills for accurately performing and understanding rhythms
Counting basic note values
- Each note value is assigned a syllable or word to help keep track of beats and rhythms
- Quarter notes are counted as "1, 2, 3, 4"
- Eighth notes are counted as "1 and, 2 and, 3 and, 4 and"
Subdividing beats
- Subdividing involves mentally dividing beats into smaller, equal parts to maintain a steady pulse
- Subdivision is particularly useful when playing complex rhythms or syncopated patterns
Counting complex rhythms
- When counting rhythms with mixed note values and rests, maintain a consistent beat and use the appropriate counting syllables
- Practice slowly and gradually increase the tempo to build accuracy and confidence
Rests in context
- Rests play an important role in shaping the rhythmic and expressive qualities of music
Rests in different meters
- The placement and duration of rests can vary depending on the meter of the music
- In compound meters (6/8, 9/8, 12/8), rests often follow the values that define the meter
Rests and phrasing
- Rests help to define musical phrases by providing breaks or breaths between melodic or harmonic ideas
- The duration and placement of rests can significantly impact the phrasing and interpretation of a piece
Rests and musical expression
- Rests can create tension, anticipation, or dramatic effects in music
- The use of rests can also influence the overall character or mood of a piece
- Longer rests can create a sense of calm or spaciousness
- Shorter, frequent rests can contribute to a feeling of excitement or urgency
Key Terms to Review (28)
Beat: A beat is the basic unit of time in music, representing a consistent pulse that underlies the rhythm of a piece. It serves as the foundation for organizing music into patterns and structures, allowing musicians to interpret and perform pieces cohesively. Understanding beats is essential for grasping rhythm and meter, as well as recognizing note values and rests, which together inform sight-reading strategies and rhythmic notation.
Dotted half note: A dotted half note is a musical note that has a duration equal to three beats in 4/4 time, created by adding a dot to a half note. The dot increases the duration of the note by half of its original value, making it an important element in rhythm and meter. Understanding how this note functions helps musicians interpret musical pieces accurately and maintain the correct timing when playing or singing.
Dotted note: A dotted note is a note that has a dot placed to its right, which increases its duration by half of its original value. This concept is fundamental in understanding how rhythms are constructed and manipulated, as the addition of a dot changes the way we count and feel music. Dotted notes are essential in both creating syncopated rhythms and exploring complex polyrhythms, as they can alter the expected pulse and add richness to musical compositions.
Dotted quarter note: A dotted quarter note is a rhythmic notation that represents a note lasting for one and a half beats, combining the duration of a quarter note (one beat) and an additional half of its value (an extra half beat). This notation allows musicians to convey more complex rhythms by extending the duration of a note while maintaining clear articulation in the music. The dot following the note head indicates that its duration should be increased by half of its original value, which is essential in various musical styles and time signatures.
Double dotted note: A double dotted note is a musical note that has two dots placed after it, which extend its duration. The first dot increases the original note value by half of its duration, while the second dot adds half of the value of the first dot. This makes double dotted notes particularly useful in creating complex rhythms and adding expressive timing to music.
Downbeat: The downbeat is the first beat of a measure in music, typically marked by a stronger accent than the subsequent beats. It serves as a point of emphasis that helps establish the rhythmic foundation of a piece, guiding performers on when to begin their phrasing and helping listeners identify the structure of the music. This concept is crucial for understanding how note values and rests interact within measures and how time signatures dictate the flow of music.
Duplet: A duplet is a rhythmic grouping that consists of two notes played in the time typically allotted for three notes of the same value. This concept allows for a quicker, more fluid expression of music by altering the standard division of beats, which often creates a sense of syncopation or a 'swing' feel. Understanding how duplets fit into the broader context of rhythm helps musicians accurately interpret and notate various musical styles and pieces.
Eighth note: An eighth note is a musical note that lasts for one-eighth of the duration of a whole note, typically represented by a filled note head with a single flag or a beam connecting it to other eighth notes. In music, eighth notes play a crucial role in creating rhythmic variety and are often grouped together to form patterns that contribute to the overall meter. Their quickness adds a sense of movement and energy to compositions, making them essential in various styles of music.
Eighth rest: An eighth rest is a musical symbol that indicates a pause in sound lasting for one eighth of a measure. This rest is crucial for maintaining the rhythmic structure of a piece, allowing musicians to create a balance between sound and silence. Eighth rests are typically used in various musical contexts to convey rhythm and are essential for accurate performance and notation.
Fermata: A fermata is a symbol placed above or below a note or rest that instructs the performer to hold that note or rest longer than its usual duration. This extension of time can vary based on the performer's discretion, often adding an expressive quality to the music. Fermatas can impact the overall rhythm and meter of a piece, allowing for moments of pause that enhance musical phrasing and dynamics.
Half note: A half note is a musical note that lasts for two beats in a 4/4 time signature, represented by an open note head with a stem. This duration allows musicians to create a sense of movement in the rhythm, often serving as a bridge between quarter notes and whole notes. Understanding half notes is essential for grasping concepts like rhythm and meter, as well as for reading and interpreting rhythmic notation effectively.
Multiple measure rests: Multiple measure rests are notations in musical scores indicating that a musician or group of musicians should remain silent for a series of consecutive measures. These rests streamline the reading process, allowing performers to focus on their entrances without having to count every single measure individually. This notation helps maintain clarity in a score, especially in complex pieces where multiple instruments might have different parts and rhythms.
Polyrhythm: Polyrhythm is the simultaneous use of two or more contrasting rhythms that are played at the same time. This creates a complex rhythmic texture, enhancing the music's depth and interest. Understanding polyrhythm involves recognizing how different rhythms interact with each other and fit within the overarching structure of time and meter, as well as being able to identify the various note values and rests that comprise these rhythms.
Quarter note: A quarter note is a musical note that represents one beat in a measure of music, typically found in 4/4 time. It is visually represented as a filled-in oval note head with a stem. Understanding the quarter note is crucial as it serves as a foundational element for rhythm and meter, helping to establish the pulse of a piece and providing a framework for more complex rhythms and their notation.
Quarter Rest: A quarter rest is a musical symbol that signifies a silence lasting for one beat in a given measure of music. This rest is an essential element in rhythm and meter, as it allows musicians to create space and manage the flow of music, similar to how notes convey sound. Recognizing and properly interpreting quarter rests helps performers maintain the intended rhythmic structure, contributing to the overall coherence and timing within a piece.
Quintuplet: A quintuplet is a rhythmic grouping that divides a beat into five equal parts, allowing musicians to create complex and intricate patterns within their music. This term connects to the understanding of note values and rests, as it challenges the conventional divisions of beats, typically seen with notes like quarter notes or eighth notes. By incorporating quintuplets, musicians can add variety and expressiveness to their rhythm, enhancing the overall feel of a piece.
Sixteenth note: A sixteenth note is a musical note that lasts for one-sixteenth of a whole note, and is typically represented by a filled-in oval note head with two flags or a single beam when connected to other notes. This note is crucial for creating intricate rhythmic patterns in music, allowing musicians to express more complex ideas and add excitement to their performances. When combined with other note values, sixteenth notes help define the tempo and feel of a piece, playing a key role in rhythmic notation.
Sixty-fourth note: A sixty-fourth note is a musical note that is played for one sixty-fourth of the duration of a whole note. It is represented by a filled-in oval with two flags or beams, making it a very short note value commonly used to add rhythmic complexity to music. When multiple sixty-fourth notes are played in succession, they create rapid passages that can enhance the expressiveness and excitement of a piece.
Slur: A slur is a musical notation that indicates a group of notes should be played smoothly and connected without any breaks in between. This technique enhances the expressiveness of the music, allowing for a more fluid and lyrical performance. Slurs can also help to clarify the phrasing and articulation of musical lines, contributing to the overall interpretation and style of a piece.
Syncopation: Syncopation is a rhythmic technique where emphasis is placed on beats or parts of beats that are typically unaccented, creating a surprising or unexpected effect. This technique adds variety and complexity to music, allowing composers and performers to create tension and movement in their rhythm.
Tempo: Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM). It serves as a fundamental element that influences the overall feel and expression of the music, establishing a framework for rhythm and meter while affecting how note values and rests are interpreted. Tempo not only guides performers in maintaining a consistent pace but also impacts the emotional impact of a piece during sight-reading and ensemble performance.
Thirty-Second Note: A thirty-second note is a musical note that is played for one thirty-second of the duration of a whole note, indicating a very fast rhythmic value. It is represented by a filled-in oval note head with two flags or beams, making it visually distinct from longer note values. In music notation, thirty-second notes allow composers to express rapid passages and intricate rhythms, creating excitement and complexity within a piece.
Tie: A tie is a musical notation that connects two notes of the same pitch, indicating that they should be played as a single sustained note for the duration of both notes. This notation helps musicians understand how to maintain a smooth and connected sound, effectively extending the value of a note across rhythmic boundaries. Ties are essential in rhythmic notation as they influence how beats and phrases are articulated in performance.
Time Signature: A time signature is a notational convention used in music to specify how many beats are in each measure and what note value is equivalent to one beat. It serves as a guide for musicians to understand the rhythmic structure of a piece, establishing the meter that influences how music is performed and interpreted. Time signatures play a vital role in dictating the flow of rhythm, affecting sight-singing, rhythmic dictation, note values, melodic sight-singing, and score analysis.
Triplet: A triplet is a rhythmic grouping of three notes played in the time usually allotted for two notes of the same value. This concept alters the expected rhythm by compressing three beats into the space of two, often adding a unique swing or feel to the music. Understanding triplets is crucial for accurately interpreting rhythms, as they can significantly impact the overall flow and syncopation in a piece.
Upbeat: An upbeat is a weak or unaccented beat that comes before the first strong beat in a measure, setting the stage for the musical phrase. It serves as a preparatory pulse that leads into the downbeat, giving a sense of anticipation and forward motion in music. Understanding the upbeat is crucial for interpreting rhythm and phrasing, as it helps establish the overall feel and structure of a piece.
Whole Note: A whole note is a musical note that lasts for four beats in common time, making it one of the longest note values in Western music. It is often represented by an open oval shape without a stem, symbolizing a sustained sound that fills an entire measure in 4/4 time. This note plays a crucial role in establishing rhythm and meter, as it helps musicians understand the duration of sounds and rests within a piece.
Whole rest: A whole rest is a musical symbol indicating a silence that lasts for the duration of an entire measure in a piece of music. It visually represents a complete absence of sound for a specified period, aligning with the overall structure and timing established by the piece's meter and rhythm. Whole rests are essential for composers and performers to convey moments of silence, allowing for dynamic contrast and a sense of phrasing within the music.