Each type of rest shares a duration with a certain type of note.




For example, both a quarter rest and a quarter note occupy the same amount of time.




While the note would make a sound, the rest is silent.




To demonstrate this, let's fill a measure of 4/4 time with quarter notes. When played, all four notes sound.




Next, we will replace the second quarter note with a quarter rest.




When played, the second beat is now silent.




Next, let's discuss the other types of rests.




A whole rest occupies the same amount of time as a whole note.




It is drawn as a box descending from the fourth staff line.




A half rest occupies the same amount of time as a half note.




It is drawn as a box ascending from the middle staff line.




Like notes, rests can have flags.




With one flag, an eighth rest has the same duration as an eighth note.




With two flags, a sixteenth rest has the same duration as a sixteenth note.




Although rarer, rests can have three or more flags.




Use this chart for reference to rest duration.