Half note

Half note (or minim in British English) is a musical note value in Western music notation. It is equivalent to half the value of a whole note (semibreve) and twice the value of a quarter note (crotchet). In time signatures with a denominator of 4, such as 4/4 or 3/4 time, the half note occupies two beats. The symbol for the half note consists of a hollow oval note head, like a whole note, but with a straight stem attached.

Notation and Use

The half note's notation has evolved over time. In the Mensural notation used from the late Medieval period through the Renaissance, the minim, from which the modern half note descends, was represented in several different ways, often depending on the position within the measure or the piece's overall rhythmic mode. In modern notation, the half note is standardized with a hollow head and a stem that can point either up or down depending on its position on the staff. The direction of the stem is usually determined by the note's position relative to the middle line of the staff: notes on or above the middle line have stems facing down and to the left, while notes below have stems going up and to the right.

Duration

The duration of a half note can be altered by a dot placed after it, increasing its duration by half of its original value, making it equivalent to three quarter notes. Similarly, a double-dotted half note has an additional quarter of its original value added to the duration, equating to three quarters of a whole note. The use of ties can also extend the duration of a half note by connecting it to another note of the same pitch, effectively combining their durations.

Rhythmic Roles

Half notes play a crucial role in the rhythmic structure of Western music. They are often used to provide a moderate pace in the music, serving as a foundational rhythm in many pieces. In slower pieces, half notes may carry the melody, while in faster compositions, they can provide a steady, underlying rhythm that supports quicker note values.

Comparison with Other Notes

The half note is part of a family of notes that includes the whole note, quarter note, eighth note, and sixteenth note, among others. Each of these notes has a duration relative to the whole note, which is the longest note value in common use. The relationships between these note values are crucial for musicians to understand as they determine the rhythm and pace of the music.

In Different Time Signatures

The value of a half note can change depending on the time signature of the piece. In time signatures where the beat is represented by a note value other than the quarter note, such as in 6/8 time where the beat is a dotted quarter note, the half note's duration and role within the measure adjust accordingly.

See Also

• Whole note
• Quarter note
• Eighth note
• Sixteenth note
• Dot (music)
• Tie (music)