4 Rests

4.1 Values and dots

Just as sound is important in music, so is silence, and therefore every time value has an equivalent symbol for silence – a rest. Here they are in Example 32:

Example 32

Notice that the number of flags on the quaver, semiquaver and demisemiquaver rests is the same as the number of flags for their respective time values. In addition, the crotchet, quaver, semiquaver and demisemiquaver rests sit in the middle of the staff.

The same principle regarding dots applies to rests as well as to time values – the dot makes the rest half as long again. And the dot is placed after the rest in the third space from the bottom. Example 33 shows these principles in action.

Example 33