Things You'll Need:
- Time
- Patience
- willing to learn
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Step 1
Measures are segments of time that are defined by a time signature and separated by vertical lines called bar lines. A time signature tells us how many beats there can be in a measure in total. It also tells us how many counts each type of note gets.
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Step 2
A four-four time signature tells us that there are four beats in each measure and defines a type of note called a quarter note as receiving one beat.
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Step 3
Quarter NoteThere are many different kinds of notes with various beat values, The first three and most common are quarter notes, half notes, and whole notes:
• A quarter note is a short note and has a value of 1 beat. -
Step 4
half noteA half note is a long note. It has a value of 2 beats and is held for double the amount of time of a quarter note.
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Step 5
whole noteA whole note is a very long note. It has a value of 4 beats and is held for double the amount of time of a half note.
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Step 6
quarter restEach of the four beats in a measure must be accounted for when music is written, but sometimes during the course of a rythym there is silence. We write these silences as rests. There are three main different types of rests; quarter rests, half rests, and whole rests:
• A quarter rest is a short rest and has a value of 1 beat. -
Step 7
half rest• A half rest is a long rest and has a value of 2 beats.
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Step 8
whole restA whole rest is a very long rest and has a value of 4 beats.
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Step 9
We can use this knowledge to read and tap out basic musical rhythms. Now try to make some rythms on your own and tap them out. Remember the rules above and have fun!
