Nautical Rests
How to remember the difference between symbols for rests
Do you find it confusing to remember the difference between a semibreve rest and a minim rest? Then here's a tip for you!
Semibreves and minim rests
People often get confused when writing out semibreve and minim rests, because they all look very similar: one hangs under the second line down on the stave (a semibreve rest), and the other rests on the middle line of the stave (a minim rest). It is important to get them the right way round, however!
A nautical mnemonic: Submarines and Motorboats
A semibreve rest hangs under the line, and begins with the letter S; a minim rest goes on the line, and begins with the letter M. So try and remember "nautical rests" — submarines and motorboats — a Semibreve rest is like a Submarine and goes under the line (or the sea), and a Minim rest is like a Motorboat and goes on the line (or the sea).
What about breves?
To continue the theme, you can remember that a breve rest (which is twice the duration of a semibreve rest) goes Between the lines, or spans Both the space of a semibreve and a minim rest!
Watch out!
Remember that the semibreve rest goes below the second line down, and the minim rest goes over the middle line. There's another mnemonic for you!
Notation
Here's a quick reminder of the correct notation for minim, semibreve, and breve rests, along with these mnemonics:
| Rest | Notation | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| Minim |  | Motorboat on the middle line |
| Semibreve |  | Submarine under the second line |
| Breve |  | Between both middle and second lines |
The next Clements Tip will be with you soon — keep an eye on your inbox!
Not a subscriber? Get your FREE 40-part email course here
Did you like this tip?
You'll find lots more on the Clements Theory website:
- 80 step-by-step study guides from the basics to Grade 5 and beyond
- Revision questions to test your comprehension of each guide
- Over 7000 practice questions organised by difficulty and topic
- The Clements Q&A — rapid assistance from a music theory expert!
- Track your progress with the clever Clements Theory tools: see instantly where you are improving and where you need to practice more
Clements Theory is perfect for anyone studying for Associated Board or Trinity College Theory of Music Exams (Grades 1 to 5), and for GCSE or A Level Music.
“I've finished my theory exam and passed with Distinction,
thanks so much for your help!! ”
— Carmen Guthrie
Clements Theory user and successful Grade 5 Theory candidate
“Thank You, I have passed my theory exam,
I found Clements Theory very helpful!”
— Stephanie Hunter
Clements Theory user and successful Grade 5 Theory candidate