Rhythm exercise 3-2

The swing figure

Featured figure

Name	Symbol	Duration
One quarter note, one eighth note		2/3 of a beat, 1/3 of a beat

Graphic
representation

This figure
compared
to the
master
figure

Usage
of the
swing
figure

The swing figure is encountered in two types of music:
•Ternary music
•Jazzy music
In the case of ternary music, its use is normal, this figure being only one of eight rhythmic possibilities.
It is jazz that has some particularities. Its use of the swing figure comes from the binary. The two equal notes are modified to obtain a swinging effect.

Swing consists in lengthening the first note of a binary division.

Swing

Even if this operation is done in an uncontrolled manner, the note that used to be on the upbeat now finds itself on or close to the second third of a ternary division.

Binary becomes ternary

There remains some positioning liberty that depends on each individual and on the tempo of the piece.
The faster the tempo is, the less the swung note reaches the second third.

How
swing
works

How to
perform
this
figure

A: Start by doing this rhythm, using the syllable "Ta".