The names derive from beats in 4/4 or "common" time.

So a half note would be 2 beats, since their are 4 beats in a measure, 2 would be half.

Then a whole would be all...... Quarter 1/4 or "1" beat...... Eight - 1/2 beat etc.......

And since this worked so well in 4/4 time, it works in the same principle in others.....
in 2/4 time you never see "whole" notes because that is 4 beats, and there aren't that many beats in the measure.

So your assumption is wrong -
whole - 4 beats
half - 2 beats
quarter - 1 beat
eighth - 1/2 beat or 2 times in 1 beat
16th - 1/4 beat or 4 times in 1 beat
32nd - 1/8 beat or 8 times in 1 beat

got it? good....


But Ya me 2, I basically just play. I only really look at the tempo markings if I haven't heard the song ever or in awhile.


And I just don't bother when writing my own stuff, cuz it stays in my head usually.


But all the classical stuff I do, I use all that stuff. Plus I play the tenor sax in the school band, and hafta know it.