Rests
Rests are used in music notation to indicate a period of silence. For every note value, there is an equivalent rest. Rests provide a natural space to take a breath, as well as helping to group notes into phrases. Just as speech is organized into words, phrases and sentences, a song melody is made up of notes grouped into phrases with spaces between them. These spaces are usually indicated by rests.
The Half Rest
This symbol is a half rest.
It indicates two beats of silence.
A half rest sits on top of the third line of the staff.
When you see this rest, count for two beats without singing.
In this book, small counting numbers are used under rests. Use the syllable ah to sing this example. Use a metronome and tap your foot on each beat.
The Whole Rest
This symbol is a whole rest.
It indicates either four beats of silence.
The whole rest hangs below the fourth line of the staff.
When you see this rest, count for four beats without singing.
The Quarter Rest
This symbol is a quarter rest.
It indicates one beat of silence.
Do not sing any note.
Remember to count silently to keep time regardless of whether you see notes or rests in the music. This example is sung using the syllable ba.
Here is one which features whole, half and quarter rests. Count out loud and clap the rhythms along with the recording. On the recording, this example is played on an electric bass.
