half note
Definition
Noun: A half note is a musical note that has a time value equal to one-half the duration of a whole note. In musical notation, it is represented by an open (hollow) oval note head with a stem.
Usage
The term "half note" is used to specify the rhythmic duration of a note within a piece of music. It is a fundamental unit of musical time in Western notation.
Examples
- In common time (4/4), a half note receives two beats.
- The melody begins with a sustained half note on the tonic.
- You need to hold that half note for its full value before playing the next note.
Advanced Usage
- Dotted half note: A half note with a dot placed after it, which increases its duration by half of its original value. In 4/4 time, a dotted half note receives three beats.
- Tied half notes: Two or more half notes connected by a tie are held for the combined duration of all the notes.
Variants and Related Words
- Minim: This is the British English term for a half note.
- Whole note (semibreve): A note with twice the duration of a half note.
- Quarter note (crotchet): A note with half the duration of a half note.
Synonyms
- Minim (UK English equivalent)
Related Phrases
- Half rest: A symbol indicating silence for the same duration as a half note.
- Half-note triplet: A group of three half notes played in the time normally occupied by two half notes.
Noun
-
a musical note having the time value of half a whole note
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