1.4 | Standard Notation
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Notes and rests are symbols used to show rhythms. The fraction names of these symbols (eighth, sixteenth, etc) tell how many of that note can fit into one measure of 4/4. An eighth note takes up one-eighth of a measure in 4/4 time.
Work on translating standard notation to beat maps with this worksheet →.
Note Symbol Guide
Note: Notes represent sound. Each note has an attack, sustain, and release. The duration of a note is determined by its appearance: changes in the notehead (the oval) and stem (the vertical line) show its subdivision and how long a note should be sustained. Notes that last more than a beat have noteheads that are not filled in. Beams are drawn across notes in groupings that last one beat. Flags are used for notes that last less than a beat that cannot be grouped together. The number of flags/beams that a note has shows its subdivision level in powers of two. If a number is above the beam grouping, the subdivision is an odd division.
Rest: A rest represents measured silence. Rests that last longer than a beat each have their own unique symbol. Rests that last less than a beat are the same shape and use the same system of beams and flags that notes use.
Ties: Ties combine note values. There is only one attack when notes are tied—the second note of the tie just adds more duration to make the first note last longer.
Dots: A dot added after a note or rest adds half of its original value to itself.
Quarter Note Rhythms
Eighth Note Rhythms
Sixteenth Note Rhythms
Eighth Note Triplet Rhythms
Mixed Subdivision Rhythms
Weak Beat Workouts
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