Semi Breve / Whole Note

A Semi Breve

A Semi Breve (Whole Note), pictured above, is a note that lasts for 4 beats. Semi Breves are just a hollow circular note head, so there is no Stem. A Semi Breve written as a cymbal has an 'x' inside of the hollow circle. It is where the note head is positioned on the stave that tells us which part of the kit is played. So if the note head is an x on the top line, it will mean 'play a hi hat'.

Because a Semi Breve lasts four beats, we only get one of them in a bar, hence the name half note. So to count we would generally use the crotchet counting of '1 2 3 4' but only play on beat 1.

With Semi Breves being so much slower, there isn't really any need for a preferred sticking. Hitting with your stronger hand is usually best though.

The example below shows a 2 bars of music made up entirely of Semi Breves. Counting is given underneath the bar.

Lessons

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