Can you spare a quarter? How 'bout an eighth?

An eighth note has a flag on it: j) D

Two eighth notes equal one quarter note (or one beat in 4/4 and 3/4). To make it
easier on the eyes (you're welcome), eighth notes are connected with a beam:

n n or j JJJ
To count eighth notes, divide the beat into two and use "and" between the beats:

(&) 2 (&) 3 & 4 &

Practice this by f irst cou nti ng out loud while tapping your foot on the beat,
then play the notes while counting and tapping:

4B 1
J J J J IJ J J J J J
(&) 2 (&) 3 & 4 (&) & 2 & 3 (&) 4 (&)

What about the rest? ~

Eighth rests are the same, but you ... pause. Count, tap, play, and pause with the
f ollowing:

44J 1
J
(&) 2 (&
1
3)
J1
&
L

J (&) I J J
4 &
J1
2
~

1
(&)
JJ
3 &
'f
(4)
L

J1
& .·

Now t ry some songs that use eighth not es and rests. (Keep that foot going !)

$ Rockin' Riff

~t J J JJJ J J JJJ J J J JJ J J JJJ I I I I

~ JJ JJJJJJI ~ JJ JJ I ~J JJ JJJ JI J JJ J~

r J r I a J d J J liJj j II

Exce ll ent. But don't stop th ere ...

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