How to Count One Quaver and Two Semiquavers in Music

Another rhythm that brings movement and bounce into music is the one quaver and
two semiquavers pattern. Unlike its reverse version, this rhythm starts calmly and
then finishes quickly, giving the beat a lively push at the end.

What Is One Quaver and Two Semiquavers?

This rhythmic grouping is made up of:

• One quaver, followed by
• Two semiquavers

Together, they fill one complete beat in simple time.

• UK (British) name: Quaver – Semiquaver – Semiquaver
• US (American) name: Eighth Note – Sixteenth Note – Sixteenth Note

How the Beat Is Divided

In this pattern:

• The quaver takes ½ of a beat
• Each semiquaver takes ¼ of a beat

So the total timing looks like this:
0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 1 full beat

This creates a long–short–short feel within a single beat.

How It Looks on the Music Sheet

When written in notation:

• The quaver comes first, shown with one beam
• The two semiquavers follow, shown with two beams
• All three notes are beamed together, clearly showing they belong to the
same beat

This visual pattern helps musicians instantly recognise the rhythm.

How Long Does It Last? (Tempo Explained)

At 60 BPM (one crotchet = 1 second):

• Quaver = 0.5 seconds
• Each semiquaver = 0.25 seconds
• Total pattern length = 1 second

At 120 BPM (one crotchet = 0.5 seconds):

• Quaver = 0.25 seconds
• Each semiquaver = 0.125 seconds
• Total pattern length = 0.5 seconds

The speed changes, but the internal balance of the rhythm stays the same.

How It Feels When Played

This rhythm:

• Begins with a steady, held sound
• Ends with a quick, light flourish
• Adds momentum without rushing the beat

It is often felt or counted as:
“long–short–short.”

How It Works in Different Time Signatures

In Simple Time (4/4, 3/4, 2/4)

• Very common and easy to place within a beat
• Often used to create rhythmic interest or a light syncopated feel
• In 4/4 time, it can sit comfortably on beat 1, with other rhythms filling
beats 2, 3, and 4

In Compound Time (6/8, 9/8, 12/8)

• The main beat is already divided into three equal parts
• This rhythm only fills two quavers’ worth of time
• One quaver is left unfilled, making the pattern feel less symmetrical
• As a result, it often sounds off-balance or syncopated against the natural
triple feel

A Simple Way to Think About It

Imagine taking one long step, followed by two quick taps:

• The step is the quaver
• The taps are the semiquavers

Together, they form one complete and expressive motion.

For a more detailed walkthrough, you can watch the full video tutorial below, where each rhythm pattern is explained and practiced step by step.

The next step is simple—practice.

To help you get comfortable with counting and timing, we’ve created a free rhythm exercise PDF you can practice at your own pace. The exercises are short, clear, and beginner-friendly.

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