Note & Rest Fundamentals
Basic anatomy of notes and fundamental positioning rules.
The Notehead & Stem
Noteheads are oval shaped (not round) and sit on staff lines or spaces with a slight upward slant.
Stems are thin, vertical lines directly connected to the notehead. The length of a stem is generally one octave (3.5 spaces).
Low note: the stem points up to the middle line.
High note: the stem points down to the middle line.
Stem Direction Rules
To keep the music compact and readable within the staff, stem direction changes based on the note's position. Use the interactive tool below to visualize this rule:
Ledger Lines & Stems
When stemmed notes are placed on ledger lines (far above or below the staff), regular stems might look detached. To ensure readability, the rule is to extend these stems all the way to the middle line.
Rests in Complete Measures
Proper use of rests ensures that the meter remains clear to the performer.
The Whole Rest can be used to indicate a full measure of rest in ANY meter (even 3/4, 2/4, or 5/4).
In 3/4 meter, use two quarter rests rather than a half rest to indicate silence on beats 1 and 2.