A note is a symbol that represents pitch and rhythm. As for pitch, it is placed on either a line or space of the musical staff. As for rhythm, it is placed proportionately within a measure according to the time value of the note.

The part of a note that is common to all note symbols is the note head. A note head may take different shapes and sizes depending on the effect the composer intends for that sound. The note head is placed on a line or a space of the musical staff to indicate what pitch to play.

The stem is part of a note that is common to all note types smaller in duration than the whole note. A note head placed below the middle line of the musical staff has the stem going up. Likewise, a note head placed above the middle line of the musical staff has the stem going down. For the stem going up, it is placed to the right of the note head. For the stem going down, it is placed to the left. When a note head is placed on the middle line of the musical staff, the stem can go either up or down.

When there are two or more notes grouped in harmony or by beam, the stem goes opposite the direction of the furthest note from the middle line of the musical staff.

The flag is part of a note that is common to all note types smaller in duration than a quarter note. The more flags on the note stem, the shorter the duration of the note. Flagged notes are often beamed together within the space of a beat. In vocal music, notes are beamed over a sustained syllable.

The different note types provide rhythm to music. The rhythmic values of the notes must be calculated to fit within the span of a measure.