Learn about rhythmic values used to create beats. A quarter note lasts for one full beat, while half notes last for two beats and whole notes for four. Additionally, there are shorter note values such as the half-beat eighth note and the quarter-beat sixteenth note.
Identify these note values by looking at the stem and the note-head and determining if there is a flag on the note. Quarter notes appear with a full stem, no flags and a filled in note-head. Half notes look like quarter notes without the note-head filled in, while whole notes look like half notes without a stem. The shorter note values look like quarter notes with flags. Each flag that is added to the stem doubles the speed of the note: eighth notes have one flag while sixteenth notes have two.
Play each note value by using a metronome. The quarter notes fall on the main click of the metronome, while half notes fall on every other click. Use your knowledge of note durations to determine how to play each note.
Write a simple beat using quarter notes, half notes and whole notes. Once the beat is created, add smaller note values if you feel the beat needs to have more variety. Writing beats involves creating patterns with the note values. For instance, two quarter notes followed by one half note creates a pattern that is recognizable. You can create several patterns for one beat, but remember to always give something familiar to help the listener understand your beats.
Select a pitch for your violin beat. Notes that fall on the lowest G-string will be grainier and rougher in sound. The D-string will create rhythms that have a mellow sound. The A-string creates a bright lyrical sound, while the E-string is extremely penetrating and thin. Pick a note based on the type of sound you want. If you want a grainy sound, select a note between the low G and D.