Basic Duration (Rhythm)

Introduction to Duration

Rhythm in music is generated by varying the amount of time a note lasts, its duration. In our current system of notation, the whole note is the most basic unit of time and lasts for four counts, or beats. The whole note is a very simple symbol, consisting of just an oval notehead. If you click the play button, you should hear a deep-sounding whole note, along with clicks that represent its four beats.