1.2 Rhythm, Meter & Note Values

Note values

A whole note = 4 beats, half note = 2, quarter note = 1, eighth note = ½, sixteenth = ¼ (in common time). A dot adds half the note's value (a dotted half = 3 beats).

Meter and time signatures

The time signature shows beats per measure (top) and which note gets the beat (bottom). In 4/4, four quarter-note beats per measure; in 3/4, three; in 6/8, six eighth notes, felt in two.

Simple vs. compound

In simple meter the beat divides into two (4/4, 3/4). In compound meter the beat divides into three (6/8, 9/8), where the dotted note is the beat.

Key terms

Note values

whole=4, half=2, quarter=1, eighth=½ (in 4/4)

Dot

adds half the note's value (dotted half = 3)

Time signature

top = beats per measure; bottom = beat unit

Simple meter

beat divides into two (4/4, 3/4)

Compound meter

beat divides into three (6/8, 9/8)

Try an AP-style question

In 6/8 time, the beat is usually felt as…

1. six quarter-note beats
2. eight eighth-note beats
3. two dotted-quarter beats
4. three quarter-note beats