Note Values in Music Theory
The length of each musical note is represented on paper by shape and shading. Whole notes and half notes have an open circle while quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes are shaded. From whole notes to eighth notes and beyond, read on for the different types of notes.
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Overview of Time Signatures and Note Values
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Time signatures are expressed as a ratio. The bottom number reflects the value of the note. The top number reflects the amount of notes per measure. For example, 4/4 is four quarter notes per measure, 6/8 is six eighth notes per measure, and so on. Because most music is written in 4/4, all examples are based on that time signature.
Whole Notes
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The whole note fills an entire measure. In 4/4 time, it represents four beats.
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Half Notes
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In 4/4 time, the half note represents two beats. It takes two half notes to fill one measure.
Quarter Notes
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In 4/4 time, the quarter note represents one beat. It takes 4 quarter notes to fill one measure.
Eighth Notes
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In 4/4 time, the eighth note represents half of one beat. It takes 8 eighth notes to fill one measure.
Sixteenth Notes
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In 4/4 time, the sixteenth note represents one-fouth of one beat. It takes 16 sixteenth notes to fill one measure.
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