Note lengths

Notes make the sound happen! They come in all pitches and lengths, and along with rests, fit together to make music. Also see note reading to help work out pitch.

The basic note types are:

 4 beats = semi-breve 
 2 beats = minim 
 1 beat = crotchet 
 1/2 beat = quaver 

A dot . behind the note increases by a half

 dotted minim = 3 beats 
 dotted crotchet = 1.5 beats 

Another beam/tail on top of note decreases by half

 1 beam = 1/2 beat  
 1/2 x 2 can be grouped together
 2 tails = 1/4 beat = semi-quaver 
 1/4 x 4 can be grouped together
 3 tails = 1/8 beat = demi-semi-quaver 

Related: ornaments

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The video below shows how different note lengths look: