Which note is considered a whole note in music notation?

A whole note is characterized by its duration in music notation, representing a note that is held for four beats in 4/4 time. This is significant because it serves as a foundational rhythmic value in Western music.

In contrast to other note values, the whole note has a distinctive visual appearance, typically represented by an open note head without a stem. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping musical rhythms and timing, as it establishes a reference point for other note values—such as half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes—each of which has a duration that is a fraction of the whole note. Therefore, recognizing that a whole note is held for four beats helps musicians interpret and perform music accurately within a given time signature.