Whole, 1/2, and 1/4 Notes

The example below shows one whole note, two 1/2 notes and four 1/4 notes in 4/4 time.

Let's explore how they function.

WHOLE NOTE

In 4/4 time, a whole note has the duration of 4 beats, one entire measure.

The measure below contains one whole note. According to the time signature, there are 4 beats in each measure. So it takes one whole note, to fill one measure.

COUNTING (WHOLE NOTE)

In all the Music Clarity examples you will be given a 2 measure count in before the exercise starts. The 2 measure count in sounds like this.

The 2 measures allow you time to prepare before the exercise actually starts.

Here is how we count 1 measure with one whole note being played on the piano. Notice the duration, the note is held for 4 complete beats.

HALF NOTE

If a whole note's duration is 4 beats, ...

then a 1/2 note's duration (1/2 of the whole) is of course half, which equals 2 beats.

According to the time signature, there are 4 beats to each measure. So it takes two 1/2 notes to fill one measure.

Here is how we count one measure with two 1/2 notes. Notice the duration, each note is held for 2 complete beats.

QUARTER NOTE

Now if a Whole note is 4 beats and

a 1/2 note is 2 beats

then using our friend division,

a 1/4 note's duration is 1 beat.

Again, according to the time signature, there are 4 beats to each measure. So it takes four 1/4 notes to fill one measure.

Here is how we count 1 measure of four 1/4 notes. Notice the duration, each note is held for 1 complete beat.

Make sure during your practice to focus on holding the note for it's complete duration.

🏗️ 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