The Eighth Rest

Back in Chapter 3 we saw how to write rests equal to quarter, half, and whole notes. Now we'll get acquainted with the eighth rest (which as you might expect, lasts for half a beat):

Next we'll look at another melody that includes some eighth notes and rests:

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Note the counting under the staff, and the new eighth rests (each lasting for half a beat) in measures 1 and 3.

Play the above example while counting, then listen to track 11. As before, make sure that you don't play during the rests.

When learning new rhythms, try clapping and counting them first, before you play them on the piano.