How to Count a Half Rest

A half or minim rest resembles top hat in your sheet music. Half rests sit on the middle line of a staff and hold the same value as a half note. To observe a half rest, you must refrain from playing for half the count of a whole note. The notes played prior to the half rest should be released and silence should last for the count of a half note.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by noting the time signature. For this example, use a 4/4 time signature, indicating there are four beats per measure with the quarter note setting the beat.

2. Count the beats per measure as "one-and, two-and, three-and, four-and." If you use a metronome, set it to a comfortable quarter note beat and use the same method of counting.

3. Play your instrument on the first beat and hold through the second beat. You will count "one-and, two-and" while playing your instrument.

4. Release the note after the second beat of the measure.

5. Refrain from playing your instrument on the third beat. You will not play any notes during the counts of "three-and, four-and."

6. Start a new measure by playing your instrument on the first and second beats, then refrain from playing on the third and fourth beats.

7. Continue practicing half notes and observing half rests until you are comfortable counting both.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a metronome does not mean that you don't need to count the beats per measure; it simply means that your beats are consistent. You still must pay attention to your time signature and the beat you are playing within the measure.