Music theory

Measure

4 beats in a measure

Time signature

Ex: 4/4 means there is 4 beats per measure (normal), ¾ means there are 3 beats per measure (faster tempo)

Quarter note

One beat long - a quarter of the measure. 4 of them in one measure.

Half note

Two beats long - half of the measure. 2 of them in one measure.

Whole note

Four beats long - the entire measure. 1 of them in one measure.

Eighth note

One beat long - half of a quarter note. 8 of them in one measure.

Quarter rest

One beat of silence, equivalent to a quarter note. 4 of them in one measure.

Half rest

Two beats of silence, equivalent to a half note. 2 of them in one measure.

Whole rest

Four beats of silence, equivalent to a whole note. 1 of them in one measure.

Dotted note

A note that increases its duration by half of its original value, indicated by a dot placed after the note.