While listening to a song, it’s common to overlook the rest which make up the pauses and silences. However, rests in music do contribute to music’s structure, expression and rhythm. Understanding and recognising rests is essential when reading and writing music. In this article we will examine how rests in music are represented through notation and understood through music theory.
What are rests in music?
In music theory, we use rests to indicate silence. Understanding these rests is crucial for piano playing. A rest in music, much like notated pitch durations, vary in length. Exploring each different rest symbol and duration helps when understanding their functions and role in written music. Being able to interpret these symbols quickly when playing enhances one’s ability to read and perform music effectively.
Different types of rests in sheet music and their symbols
Let’s break down all the different rest types and how to use them.
Whole note rest or semibreve rest
The whole rest or semibreve rest looks like this:
The whole note rest is shown by use of a rectangular musical symbol. This rest hangs from the fourth line of the staff. Whole rests are equivalent to whole notes in duration. In a 4/4 time signature, like the whole note, the whole rest spans four beats. This symbol is also used to show a bar of silence in any time signature regardless of the amount of beats in a bar.
Half note rest or minim rest
A half rest or minim rest looks like this:
This rest has the same duration of two whole beats.
Quarter note rest or crotchet rest
A quarter rest or crotchet rest looks like this:
The quarter note rests, or crotchet rests, are equivalent in duration to quarter notes. This rest notates a rest for a whole beat.
Eighth note rest or quavers
An eighth rest looks like this:
An eighth rest lasts for half a beat. Therefore, two eighth rests equal one quarter note, just the same as two eighth notes.
Sixteenth note rest or semiquaver rest
A sixteenth rest or semiquaver rest looks like this.
A sixteenth rest features two flags, just like the sixteenth note features two flags or beams. Similar to the sixteenth note, this rest symbol lasts for one quarter of a beat.
Let’s take a look at a handy chart showing the different types of musical rests, their symbols, and how long each rest lasts including a few less common examples.
Multi measure rests
When rests are continued for multiple bars to save space and make it easier for musicians to keep track of bars, multi-measure rests are used. The number over the top of the staff shows how many bars to rest for.
Dotted rest
A dot adds half of the original rest’s value to its duration. For example, a dotted half note rest (minim rest) lasts for the duration of a half note plus a quarter note. This extension allows for more nuanced and diverse rhythmic patterns in music, enriching the overall texture of the composition. You can learn about this and much more with online piano lessons from Skoove.
Ties and connecting rests
There is one major difference in the way rests and pitched notes are written. While notes can be lengthened by connecting them with a tie, rests cannot. This helps keep rests grouped evenly and music easy to read.
Grouping
In music, grouping organizes beats within measures, reflecting the time signature’s natural metric stress, while rests signify silence. Together, they shape rhythm and phrasing, ensuring clarity and expression. Proper grouping of notes and rests simplifies sight reading and performing.
This: Not this:
The first example clearly shows the middle of the bar which helps musicians keep track of the strong beats easily while reading.
Rests exercises
Let’s take a look at some fun, interactive Skoove lessons to put our newfound rest knowledge into action.
Our house and rest symbols
“About Damn Time” by Lizzo
“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
Let’s take a rest
Mastering rest symbols is a vital skill for musicians. Knowing your rests ensures the intended pauses and silences are conveyed well, enhancing the overall impact of a piece. Whether marking brief pauses or multi-measure silences, these symbols are crucial for interpreting music accurately. Incorporating tools like Skoove’s interactive lessons can help you develop this essential skill effectively.
Author of this blog post
Vicki Young
Vicki Young is a pianist and singer with a degree in Music from the University of Sheffield. She lives in London, UK with her husband and son. Vicki is a communications and marketing freelancer who has worked with a range of organizations across the music and charity sectors.
Published by the Skoove team
