What Are Four Semiquavers? How to Count Them in Music

When rhythms get faster and more energetic, music often divides a single beat
into four quick, even notes. This is called four semiquavers—a pattern that
creates movement, excitement, and ornamental sparkle.

What Are Four Semiquavers?

This pattern is made up of four semiquavers played in quick succession. Each
semiquaver lasts ¼ of a beat, so four semiquavers together fill one full beat in
simple time.

• UK (British) name: Four Semiquavers
• US (American) name: Four Sixteenth Notes

In other words:

• 1 semiquaver = ¼ beat
• 4 semiquavers = 1 full beat
• 1 crotchet (quarter note) = 4 semiquavers

How It Looks on the Music Sheet

• Early music notation used separate flags for each semiquaver
• Modern notation beams the four semiquavers together for clarity
• The beam shows that the notes are grouped within a single beat

How Long Does It Last? (Tempo Explained)

In simple time (4/4, 3/4, 2/4):

• Each semiquaver = ¼ beat
• Four semiquavers = 1 full beat

At 60 BPM (one crotchet = 1 second):

• Each semiquaver = 0.25 seconds
• Four semiquavers = 1 second

At faster tempos, the rhythm moves more quickly, but the relationship stays the
same.

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

• Less common to see four semiquavers neatly fit inside one beat
• Can appear across beats for syncopation or fast passages
• Adds rhythmic excitement against the natural triple subdivision

A Simple Way to Think About It

Imagine taking four quick taps in one beat:

• Tap–tap–tap–tap = four semiquavers

It’s like sprinkling energy into the music—fast, even, and rhythmic.

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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