Rests represent periods of silence in a measure.
Rests represent periods of silence in a bar.
Each type of rest shares a duration with a certain type of note.
For example, both a quarter rest and a quarter note occupy the same amount of time.
For example, both a crotchet rest and a crotchet occupy the same amount of time.
While the note would make a sound, the rest is silent.
To demonstrate this, let's fill a measure of 4/4 time with quarter notes.
To demonstrate this, let's fill a bar of 4/4 time with crotchets.
When played, all four notes sound.
Next, we will replace the second quarter note with a quarter rest.
Next, we will replace the second crotchet with a crotchet rest.
When played, the second beat is now silent.
Next, let's discuss the other types of rests.
A whole rest occupies the same amount of time as a whole note.
A semibreve rest occupies the same amount of time as a semibreve.
It is drawn as a box descending from the fourth staff line.
It is drawn as a box descending from the fourth stave line.
A half rest occupies the same amount of time as a half note.
A minim rest occupies the same amount of time as a minim.
It is drawn as a box ascending from the middle staff line.
It is drawn as a box ascending from the middle stave line.
Like notes, rests can have flags.
With one flag, an eighth rest has the same duration as an eighth note.
With one flag, an quaver rest has the same duration as a quaver.
With two flags, a sixteenth rest has the same duration as a sixteenth note.
With two flags, a semiquaver rest has the same duration as a semiquaver.
Although rarer, rests can have three or more flags.
Use this chart for reference to rest duration.