The breve or double whole note is not given in this table as it is but seldom used. The value of it is twice the whole note, four times the half, etc.
The whole note is represented by an open oval; the half, by an open oval and stem; the quarter, by a closed head and stem; the eighth note is the same as the quarter with a flag; the sixteenth, the same with two flags; the thirty-second, the same with three flags. As is seen in the table, the eighth, sixteenth and thirty-second notes are often grouped when more than one occurs in succession.
Suspension of tone is indicated by symbols called rests. Each note has its equivalent rest. Following is a list of rests:—
| Double whole rest. | |
| Whole rest. | |
| Half rest. | |
| Quarter rest. | |
| Eighth rest. | |
| Sixteenth rest. | |
| Thirty-second rest. |
The rate of vibration is called pitch. Rapid vibrations produce "high" (shrill) tones. Slow vibrations produce "low" tones. More complete information on sound, tone and pitch is given later under the heading "Acoustics."
The notes are written on the staff which consists of five horizontal lines together with their spaces. The duration of a tone is determined by the note used; the pitch, by the note's position on the staff.
A dot placed after a note or rest adds one half its value. A "tie" is a curved line connecting two notes of the same pitch. Examples of dots and ties:—
equals