Lesson 03.5
Quarter Rests
Learn how to count a silent beat and keep the steady pulse going even when you do not play.
◉ Beginner level
▥ Quarter rests
◎ Rhythm
Lesson Progress
Meet the Quarter Rest
So far, every rhythm you have read has told you when to play. Music also needs a way to show when you should be silent.
A quarter rest means one beat of silence.
𝄽 Quarter rest = 1 silent beat
You do not play a note during that beat, but you keep counting.
If the quarter rest appears on beat 2, for example, you could count:
1 – 2 – 3 – 4
Play on beat 1, stay silent on beat 2, and continue counting.
Remember: A rest does not stop the beat.
Notes and Rests
A quarter note and a quarter rest both last for one beat.
♩ Quarter note = 1 beat of sound
𝄽 Quarter rest = 1 beat of silence
The difference is simple: with the quarter note, you play. With the quarter rest, you do not.
But in both cases, the steady beat keeps moving.
Count a Quarter Rest
Try this simple pattern:
♩ 𝄽 ♩ ♩
1 2 3 4
Play on 1.
Stay silent on 2.
Play on 3 and 4.
Keep counting at the same speed throughout. The silent beat should take exactly as much time as the beats with notes.
Listen & Follow
Press Start and follow the rhythm. Listen for the silent beat when a quarter rest appears.
Play or Rest?
Follow the four beats. For each beat, choose Play for a quarter note or Rest for a quarter rest.
Check What You Remember
Answer 10 questions about quarter rests, note values and the steady beat.
Quick Check Complete
You’ve learned quarter rests.
You can now recognise a quarter rest, count one silent beat, and keep the steady pulse going while you rest.