1/8 Notes

We are still in the 4/4 time signature.

Now we introduce the eighth (1/8) note. A single 1/8 note looks like this.

Multiple 1/8 notes are usually beamed together. Beaming eighth notes makes it easier for musicians to sight read.

Below is a measure of 1/8 notes beamed in groups of four. An 1/8 note is half of a quarter note, so it takes 8 (1/8) notes to complete one 4/4 measure.

When counting out the rhythm of an 1/8 note, we use the “+” sign and we pronounce it as “and” or “an”.

Let’s look at a break down of where we are with all our notes so far and their relationship to 1 measure.

We started with a whole note that gets 4 beats (counts).

Next, the 1/2 note, which gets 2 beats.

Then, the 1/4 note, which gets 1 beat.

Now, the 1/8 note, which gets 1/2 of a beat.

The chart above shows us how to count all the notes we have learned so far. Let’s start working with 1/8 notes.

QUARTER AND EIGHTH NOTES

Clapping

Piano

Let’s work on some rhythms using 1/8 notes together. Listen to the recordings, then count and clap and play along on your instrument of choice.

Rhythm #1

Clapping

Piano

Rhythm #2

Clapping

Piano

Rhythm #3

Clapping

Piano

🏗️ Rhythm / Dictation Exercises 2 - in process

🏗️ Dotted Half Notes and Ties - in process

🏗️ Rhythm / Dictation with melody

🏗️ The Breakdown Introduction

🏗️ Breakdown 1

🏗️ Breakdown 2a

🏗️ Breakdown 2b