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Rhythms in 4/4 Time
Rhythms are symbols that tell us how long to hold, or play, a given note. Below is an example of a rhythm tree (note tree).
The rhythm tree shows the relative values of all the basic rhythmic symbols.
All rhythms are derived from the most simple symbol: the whole note. In 4/4 time, the whole note is worth 4 counts. Every symbol you add onto the whole note's note head, its body, subtracts half of the note's value.
A half note, a note head and stem, is worth 2 counts in 4/4 time. Filling in the note head converts it to a quarter note and makes it worth 1 count in 4/4 time. Adding a flag to the quarter notes converts it to an eighth note and makes it worth 1/2 count in 4/4 time. After this point, one flag at a time is added, and each time half of the note's value is subtracted.
A dot behind (on the right) of a note adds half of the note's original value onto itself. Therefore, a dotted half note is worth 3 counts in 4/4 time. The original half note is worth 2 counts in 4/4 time, the added dot is worth half of that equalling 1 count. 2+1=3. A dotted half note is worth 3 counts in 4/4 time. Dots behind notes do not add 1 count unless the example is that of a dotted half note.
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