I refer first to the whole note, existing independently of any time signature. In fact, you don’t even have to assign a rhythmic value to it for now; the purpose of this exercise is to learn why the rhythmic names of the notes are what they are.
Next, envision the half note. So named because they are exactly half the value of the whole note. Two half notes = one whole note. With me so far?
Next, we move to the note in question - the quarter note. So named because it takes four of them to equal the rhythmic value of the whole note.
Now this is important: You originally called it the “fourth note.” So take note: do not confuse the word “fourth” here to mean “fourth in a series,” or “the fourth beat of the measure,” because that’s not the correct application of the word. “Fourth” in this context is synonymous with “quarter.” So a “fourth note” as you call it is so named because it’s one-fourth (¼) the value of the whole note.
You refer to 4/4 as the default?
I don’t refer to 4/4 at all.
I refer first to the whole note, existing independently of any time signature. In fact, you don’t even have to assign a rhythmic value to it for now; the purpose of this exercise is to learn why the rhythmic names of the notes are what they are.
Next, envision the half note. So named because they are exactly half the value of the whole note. Two half notes = one whole note. With me so far?
Next, we move to the note in question - the quarter note. So named because it takes four of them to equal the rhythmic value of the whole note.
Now this is important: You originally called it the “fourth note.” So take note: do not confuse the word “fourth” here to mean “fourth in a series,” or “the fourth beat of the measure,” because that’s not the correct application of the word. “Fourth” in this context is synonymous with “quarter.” So a “fourth note” as you call it is so named because it’s one-fourth (¼) the value of the whole note.
This is about as EILI5 as I can make this.
Why divide rhythmic values at their center and not at the third or fifth?
I wish you and your teachers the best of luck in your musical studies.
I just avoid notation.