The musical note values is a very valuable asset to the arsenal of music sight readers. Musical note values helps us to understand how long or short we should play or sing musical notes.
At a first glance reading note values can be very intimidating and overwhelming but when you understand how it is being structured and implemented, it becomes way simple.
Now, let's dive into the world of note values.
What is note value?
A Note Value is the duration of a musical note. It tells us how long or short a note should be played or performed by a singer. Note value can also be called Note Length or Rhythmic Value or Time Value.
Parts Of a Note
Have a look at the parts of the note value below.
Guidelines For Note Stems
- The stem of any musical note below the middle line (third line) faces down.
- The stem of any musical note from the third line and above faces up.
- The length of the stem is usually one octave.
- In a chord, the stem direction will be the direction for the note that is furthest away from the middle line of the staff.
Note Head Facing Up or Down
Note values can be written facing up or down. Look at the note values diagram below to see note head facing up and down.
Naming Standard of Note Values
The Note Value are basically named based on two standards. These standards are :
- British | Western Standard and
- American Standard
Types Of Note Values
There are different types of note values. These are :
- Semibreve (Whole note)
- Minim (half note)
- Crotchet (Quarter note)
- Quaver (Eight note)
- Semiquaver (Sixteenth note)
- Demisemiquaver (Thirty - twoth note)
Now we will look at the note values one after the other.
1. Semibreve
The semibreve has a beat of 4. In the British standard, it is called a Whole note. The note circled below is the Semibreve.
2. Minim
The Minim has a beat of 2. In the American standard, it is called a Half note. The note circled below is the Minim.
Let’s do a little Maths here.
Two minim notes make one semibreve note.
3. Crotchet
The Crotchet has a beat of 1. In the American standard, it is called a Quarter note. The note circled below is the Crotchet.
Let’s look at this quick maths to help us understand the note values.
Two crotchets make one minim.
Four crotchets make one semibreve.
4. Quaver
The Quaver has a beat of 1/2. In the American standard, It can also be called an Eighth note. The note circled below is the Quaver.
Let’s do a little Maths.
Two quavers make one crotchet.
Four quavers make one Minim.
Eight quavers make one semibreve.
5. Semiquaver
The semiquaver has a beat of 1/4. In the America standard, it is also called Sixteenth note.
Check out some more note values maths.
Four semiquaver make one Crotchet
Eight semiquaver make one Minim
Sixteen semiquaver make one semibreve
6. Demisemiquaver
The Demisemiquaver has a beat of 1/4. In the America standard, it is also called Thirty-twoth note.
Hope you have learn some things about the note values? Feel free to check out our more lessons.
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