whole note
Definition
Noun: A whole note is a musical notation symbol representing a note with the longest standard duration in common time. Its duration is equal to four beats in 4/4 time signature.
Usage
The term "whole note" is used to specify a note's rhythmic value in written music. It instructs the musician to hold the note for its full duration, typically four beats in common time. * In musical scores, a whole note is written as an open (hollow) oval note head without a stem. * The duration of a whole note is relative to the time signature. While it equals four quarter notes in 4/4 time, its absolute length depends on the tempo.
Examples
- The melody begins with a whole note on middle C.
- Hold that whole note for four full beats before moving to the next measure.
- In this exercise, please clap the rhythm: quarter note, quarter note, whole note.
Advanced Usage
- Tied Whole Notes: Multiple whole notes can be tied together to create a sustained sound longer than four beats. For example, two tied whole notes would be held for eight beats.
- In Different Time Signatures: In 4/2 time (four half-note beats per measure), a whole note would last for two beats, as it is equivalent to two half notes. Its function is always relative to the beat unit defined by the time signature.
Variants and Related Words
- Half Note (n): A note with half the duration of a whole note (typically two beats in common time).
- Quarter Note (n): A note with one-quarter the duration of a whole note (typically one beat in common time).
- Breve or Double Whole Note (n): A note with twice the duration of a whole note, though it is rarely used in modern music.
Synonyms
- Semibreve: This is the British English term for a whole note.
Related Phrases
- Whole Rest (n): A symbol indicating silence for the same duration as a whole note (four beats in common time).
Noun
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a musical note having the longest time value (equal to four beats in common time)
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