A quarter note is a basic musical symbol that represents a specific duration of sound in music. It is typically notated as a filled-in oval note head with a straight stem. In a standard 4/4 time signature, a quarter note receives one beat, meaning it lasts for one-fourth of a whole note. This makes it a fundamental building block for rhythm in many musical pieces. In sheet music, you will often see quarter notes grouped together to create melodies and harmonies. Musicians, such as pianists and guitarists, use quarter notes to keep time and maintain a steady tempo. Understanding quarter notes is essential for anyone learning to read music, as they form the foundation for more complex rhythms.