Half Note

The half note divides the whole note in two. It receives half the count of a measure. So, in standard 4/4 time, a half note is counted for two beats.

It appears on the staff as an open circle similar to the whole note, except whereas the whole note has no stem, the half can have a stem either up or down depending on where it falls on the musical staff.

The beat above shows you five different examples of this particular note. In drum notation, they will most often appear on the first, second, or third beats, although some off-beat rhythms may have them appearing in odd places such as on 1AND or 2E.

You’ve learned the half note, let’s move on to the quarter note.

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How To Read Drum Music