Eighth Note Rhythms
Lesson 1.1 · Rhythm
Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences arranged over musical time. In standard notation, the different states of rhythm are shown with symbols.
Terms
- Beat:
- The pulse of the music.
- Subdivision:
- An equal division of the beat.
- Attack:
- The beginning of a note.
- Sustain:
- The continuation of a note as it rings.
- Release:
- The end of a note.
- Rest:
- A period of musical time without a note.
Watch the clip for each symbol to learn how to decode it, then open its practice page and read the examples. When you're finished, take the quiz. Tap a step number to mark it done.
Eighth Notes & Rests
One eighth count of sound or silence.Ties
Turns the connected note into a sustain.Quarter Notes
Two eighth counts of sound.Quarter Rests
Two eighth counts of silence.Dotted Quarter Notes
Three eighth counts of sound.Dotted Quarter Rests
Three eighth counts of silence.Half Notes
Four eighth counts of sound.Half Rests
Four eighth counts of silence.Dotted Half Values
Six eighth counts of sound or silence.Whole Values
Eight eighth counts of sound or silence.Ready to check yourself?
