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.
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Instructions
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Use a 2/4 time signature to learn to count quarter rests. This time signature indicates there are two quarter note beats per measure.
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Count the beats per measure as "one-and, two-and." Repeat them until you have a steady beat.
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Play your instrument on the count of "one" and release after "and." This is the first beat of the measure.
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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.
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Begin the next measure by playing your instrument on the first beat, then refrain from playing on the second beat.
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Continue practicing measures with quarter notes and quarter rests until you are comfortable counting both.
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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.
