What is a Sixteenth Note?

A sixteenth note is a musical note that represents one quarter of a beat in common time signatures such as 4/4 time. Four sixteenth notes equal the duration of one quarter note, and sixteen sixteenth notes equal the duration of a whole note. Because they divide the beat into very small rhythmic units, sixteenth notes are often used to create fast and intricate rhythmic patterns.

In written music notation, a sixteenth note is shown as a filled-in oval note head with a stem and two flags. When several sixteenth notes appear in sequence, their flags are usually connected with two horizontal beams. This grouping makes complex rhythms easier for musicians to read and follow within a measure.

Sixteenth notes are commonly used in energetic musical passages, including fast melodies, drum patterns, and rhythmic accompaniment. They allow composers to add detail, movement, and rhythmic complexity to a piece. Because they divide the beat so finely, sixteenth notes are an important part of expressive and dynamic musical rhythm.