A sixteenth note is a musical note that lasts for one-sixteenth of the duration of a whole note. In standard music notation, it is represented by a filled-in oval note head with a straight stem and two flags. When played, it is typically counted as "1 e & a" in a measure, allowing musicians to play faster rhythms. In a measure of 4/4 time, there are 16 sixteenth notes. They are often used in various musical genres to create intricate rhythms and add complexity to a piece. Understanding sixteenth notes is essential for musicians, especially when playing instruments like the piano or drums.