Eighth Note
also called “quaver”also called “1/8 note”also called “and”
The short version
Two notes per beat — count "1 and 2 and".
Eighths are the classic hi-hat pattern in rock and pop: a tick on every beat and every 'and'.
Why you'd careAdding eighths is the easiest way to make a sparse beat feel like it's moving.
88 words and counting in The Music Guide. Back to the guide