Introduction

In previous tutorials we looked at whole notes, half notes and quarter notes.  We’ve looked at how to read, count and perform them.

But playing guitar is not just about producing sounds.

Sometimes there needs to be silence between chords or notes.

This may come as a surprise, but it’s equally as important to know when to play, as it is to know when not to play.

Periods of silence (rests) are often used as a form of musical punctuation.

In this tutorial, we will look at how periods of silence are notated with rests.

Quite Please: Notating Silence with Rests

In music, we notate periods of silence with rests.

Just as you can sustain a note for 4 beats (whole note), 2 beats (half note) and 1 beat (quarter note), these durations can also be notated with silence using rests.

The Whole Note Rest

Here is what the whole note rest looks like:

The whole note rest is sustained for 4 beats in 4/4 time.

The Half Note Rest

Now let’s look at the half note rest:

The half note rest receives two beats in 4/4 time.

The Quarter Note Rest

The quarter note rest receives one beat in 4/4 time.

Whole note, half note and quarter note rests look the same whether they are notated in rhythmic notation or standard notation.

Here’s an easy way to distinguish between a whole note rest and a half note rest.

A half note rest looks like a hat.

The whole note rest looks like an upside down hat.  An upside down hat can hold a whole lot more, so it can hold a full 4 beats in 4/4 time.

Application

Now let’s look at an example that uses rests…

Be sure to clap the rhythm, tap your foot and count out loud as you perform the following rhythm pattern.

Don’t forget to use your metronome!

That covers the basics of how rests are notated and counted.

In our next tutorial, we will apply what you’ve learned to chord progressions.

Recommended Resources

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