How to Count a Quarter Rest

On your sheet music, a quarter rest, or crotchet rest, is that squiggly line that mildly resembles the number 3. A quarter rest signifies a break in the music for a quarter note beat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Use a 2/4 time signature to learn to count quarter rests. This time signature indicates there are two quarter note beats per measure.

2. Count the beats per measure as "one-and, two-and." Repeat them until you have a steady beat.

3. Play your instrument on the count of "one" and release after "and." This is the first beat of the measure.

4. Refrain from playing your instrument on the second beat of the measure, which will be the count of "two-and." You should hear nothing during this beat.

5. Begin the next measure by playing your instrument on the first beat, then refrain from playing on the second beat.

6. Continue practicing measures with quarter notes and quarter rests until you are comfortable counting both.

Tips & Warnings

• Any notes played prior to the quarter rest must be completely released before observing the rest.
• Metronomes can be used to keep a steady beat. Set the metronome to a quarter note beat that you are comfortable working with. Starting out at a slower pace is a good idea until you are comfortable counting the beats of quarter notes and rests.