Rhythm
Note Values
Note values define how long each note lasts relative to the beat. A whole note lasts four times as long as a quarter note. Each value is half the duration of the one above it.
Whole Note
4 beats
Half Note
2 beats
Quarter Note
1 beat
Eighth Note
½ beat
Sixteenth Note
¼ beat
Time Signatures
A time signature tells you how many beats are in each bar (top number) and which note value equals one beat (bottom number). A 4 on the bottom means quarter notes; 8 means eighth notes.
Common Time
4 quarter-note beats per bar. By far the most common time signature in pop, rock, jazz, and classical.
Waltz Time
3 quarter-note beats per bar. Creates a swaying feel. Used in waltzes, folk songs, and classical music.
Compound Duple
6 eighth-note beats per bar, felt as 2 groups of 3. Used in jigs, ballads, and many pop songs.
Dotted Notes
A dot placed after a note adds half that note's value to its duration. Dotted notes create a lilt that pulls against the regular pulse.
♩.
Dotted Quarter
1 + ½ = 1.5 beats
𝅗.
Dotted Half
2 + 1 = 3 beats
Syncopation
Syncopation places emphasis on normally weak beats or between the main beats. Instead of landing squarely on 1–2–3–4, the rhythm anticipates or delays the beat. This creates the irresistible forward push heard in jazz, funk, hip-hop, and R&B.
Regular: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4
Syncopated: · 1+ · 3+ ·
The accent (+) falls on the & of the beat, not the beat itself.
Tempo
Tempo is the speed of the beat, measured in BPM (beats per minute). Italian markings are traditional; modern music typically specifies an exact BPM.
| Marking | BPM | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Largo | 40–60 | Very slow, solemn |
| Adagio | 66–76 | Slow, expressive |
| Andante | 76–108 | Walking pace |
| Moderato | 108–120 | Moderate |
| Allegro | 120–156 | Fast, lively |
| Presto | 168+ | Very fast |