Half rest (minim rest)
A half rest gives the same silence as a half note. Its small block sits on top of a staff line, normally the middle line; this placement distinguishes it from a whole rest.
- Notes and rests
- On the staff itself
- A straight line
Do not confuse it with
The whole rest hangs below a line; the half rest sits on top of the middle line.
What the sources say
- Notating Rhythm — Rest Values
a whole rest hangs down from a line while a half rest sits on top of a line
- Comprehensive Musicianship — Basics of Rhythm
Half rests sit above line 3 and occupy half of space 3.
- Rest Duration
A half rest occupies the same amount of time as a half note.