Note Values and Rhythm

Notes come in different shapes that tell you how LONG to hold them. A whole note is an open oval — hold it for 4 beats (count 1-2-3-4). A half note is an open oval with a stem — hold it for 2 beats. A quarter note is a filled-in oval with a stem — hold it for 1 beat. An eighth note has a filled oval, stem, and a flag — hold it for half a beat. Each one is exactly half as long as the one before!