Definition

1. Noun:
   • A musical note having the time value of one-eighth of a whole note: In musical notation, an eighth note is a symbol representing a note played for half the duration of a quarter note and one-eighth the duration of a whole note. It is typically drawn as a filled-in oval note head with a straight stem and a single flag.

Usage

• The primary function of the word "eighth note" is to name a specific rhythmic value in written music.
• It is used when discussing musical rhythm, tempo, and the timing of notes within a piece.
• Example: "The rhythm in this measure consists of two eighth notes followed by a quarter note."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The melody begins with a series of rapid eighth notes.
  • To count this rhythm, say "one-and" for the first eighth note and "two" for the quarter note.
  • In 4/4 time, eight eighth notes fill one full measure.

Advanced Usage

• "Dotted eighth note": An eighth note with a dot placed after it, which increases its duration by half its original value. A dotted eighth note is equivalent in duration to three sixteenth notes.
  • The dotted eighth note is often paired with a sixteenth note in rhythmic patterns.
• "Eighth note triplet": A group of three eighth notes played in the time normally occupied by two eighth notes.
  • The swing feel is often notated as eighth note triplets.

Variants and Related Words

• Quaver: (Noun) This is the British English term for an eighth note.
  • The part is written with a run of quavers.
• Sixteenth note: (Noun) A note with half the duration of an eighth note.
• Quarter note: (Noun) A note with twice the duration of an eighth note.

Synonyms

• Quaver: (British English equivalent)

Related Phrases

• "Eighth rest": A symbol denoting silence for the same duration as an eighth note.
  • The pattern is note, eighth rest, note.
• "Beamed eighth notes": When two or more consecutive eighth notes are connected by a horizontal beam instead of individual flags.
  • The beamed eighth notes make the rhythm easier to read.

Noun

1. a musical note having the time value of an eighth of a whole note